€639bn worth of ESI Funds have been allocated to OPs in the 2014-20 programming period, less than 35% has been spent by selected projects so far*. As the implementation of the 2014-20 Programmes moves into its seventh year, huge efforts are being made to ramp up project delivery and absorption of funds. At the same time we’re already speaking about the next programming period 2021-27! That’s the cycle of EU funds.
Financial management – with its focus on inputs and outputs – makes up two-thirds of the coveted ‘VFM’ or sound financial management. Yes, the 2014-20 programmes promote performance and results, or the final third of the pie. But it’s only achieved if financial management is conducted properly, respecting all rules, regulations and laws.
This course delivers a complete, practical toolkit for the implementation of the EU budget and the performance of management verifications and control on EU-funded projects. It is designed for all levels of experience, from beginner to the most seasoned managers and controllers. It provides an extended update on latest developments in the verification and certification of the ESI funds, delivering insight into the errors which still prevail, the controls which are working and those which are not, the state of public procurement after the Directives and national transpositions, the simplification measures, result-orientation, financial instruments, state aid, revenue-generating projects, horizontal priorities, and the audit findings by the main EU institutions, amongst other.
* as at 31st December 2019, https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/overview
i. Discussing the common errors reported in the recent reports by the EC, ECA, OLAF and other;
ii. Understanding the role of management verifications in the context of the principles and priorities promoted for the 2014-20 financial period;
iii. Presenting the Guidance Note which guides management verifications through the 2014-20 financial period;
iv. Identifying methods for the verification of eligibility, horizontal priorities, publicity, revenue-generating projects and durability;
v. Exploring the different requirements attached to verifying and certifying indicators and ESF projects;
vi. Reviewing the simplified cost options and their verifications;
vii. Applying the right verification and certification methods for financial instruments;
viii. Analysing the features of management verifications in the context of the current regulations for Public Procurement;ix. Understanding the certification of expenditure, the clearance of annual and interim payments and the automatic decommitment rule;x. Analysing how work on verifications and certifications feeds into the Management Declaration and Annual Summary;
xi. Reviewing the audit findings by the main EU institutions, being, EC auditors, the European Court of Auditors and OLAF.
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 Authorities, Central or Regional Ministries, Finance Officers, Auditors, Methodology Departments, Irregularities officers, officers carrying verification (administrative or OTS) checks.
Delivering knowledge, experience and good feelings!
Our Plan for day 1 - 5
Systems Audits: Malta’s experience with EC audits
Following the application of the common methodology for the assessment of management and control systems in the Member States, systemic errors may need to be corrected. We analyse the criteria and understand what actions to take.
2021 Training Programme
