2021 is a defining year for EU funding – it is the eight year of the 14-20 multiannual financial framework and also the year that sets the regulations for the upcoming 21-27 period. A year of heavy project implementation but also busy policy-making and programme design. A time for reflection too – what worked in the current programmes and what not. And what solutions are available for the next.
As most of you may agree, we are all eager to hear that EU-funding will be easier for authorities to manage and for beneficiaries to tap into. But it is not simple to change historic systems of control overnight and convince people that things will not be the same as before. It is a process which takes time and teaches us as we go along.
Simpler rules for more results and less error has been the recurring theme of EU-funding in the past decade. And it is an ongoing process. More is coming in the future, as the proposals for 2021-27 roll out. These are measures to focus on what matters most – results that make the difference in people’s lives.
This course gives a detailed update on the simplification measures at each stage of the programme, from policy to audit, giving interpretations of the changes introduced and their effect on the systems we were used to. It is based on the experience of the 14-20 programme so far, referring to actual cases from different Member States and discussing what worked and what could have been done better.
i. An overview of progress so far on the 14-20 programmes;
ii. Analysing the simplification measures introduced at regulatory, policy-making and programming level, for this programming period and the proposals for 2021-27;
iii. Understanding the simplified cost options currently available for all ESI funds in 14-20;
iv.Appreciating the value of new forms of supports, such as financial instruments, in maximizing the funds and delivering OP objectives more efficiently;
v. Understanding the contribution of the current Public Procurement Directives towards the simplification of project implementation;vi. Discussing the effect of simplified processes on the daily work of management verifiers, controllers and auditors;
vii. Understanding the role of the annual clearance documents in adding a recurring layer of assurance on the simplified management and control systems, thus reducing error;
viii. Discovering the simplification measures proposed for the 2021-27 multi-annual financial framework.
The training course will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. The 16th century building has long been one of Valletta’s most remarkable landmarks. Located towards the tip of Valletta peninsula, the MCC stands for distinction with magnificent views across the Grand Harbour.
Managing Authorities, First Level of Control Bodies, Intermediate Bodies, Certifying Authorities, Audit Authorities, Central Coordination Bodies, Methodology Departments, Central or Regional Ministries, change managers.
Delivering knowledge, experience and good feelings!
Our Plan for day 1 - 5
2021 Training Programme