Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 2013 Objective European Territorial Co-operation operation FORALPS Conference Trento, 7 March 2008 Nicoletta Gardini European Commission DG Regional Policy Unit Italy & Malta
The cohesion policy 2007-2013 2013 3 Objectives = Total budget : 308 billions EUR 35,7% of the total EU budget Convergence (former Obj. 1) : support for growth and job creation in the least developed regions (< than 75% per capita GDP of the EU average) Competitiveness and employment (former Obj. 2): support to richer regions in order to foster their competitiveness Territorial co-operation operation: to stimulate cross-border co-operation in order to find joint solutions to problems. Upgrade from community initiative INTERREG to a dedicated cohesion policy objective (also due to the enlargement and an increased number of borders) This offers more visibility to the programme and its projects. 2
The cohesion policy in 2007-2013 2013 For the first time, the cohesion policy is strategically linked to the major political priorities of the EU Focus on: = Lisbon & Gothenburg Agendas: Competitiveness (innovation, research, training) Employment and social inclusion Environment and risk prevention 3
Objective Territorial co-operation operation How is it organised? Total EU budget = 7,75 billions EUR 3 sections: 1) Transborder co-operation operation for the direct co-operation of areas divided by a border (including maritime borders) 2) Transnational co-operation operation for activities that are promoted within a common space (ex: Alpine Space) 3) Interregional co-operation operation for the exchange of experience and good practices in regional development policies 4
INTERREG IVB Transnational co-operation operation (concrete projects in a wider area)
Transnational co-operation 2000-2006 : 13 programmes Transnational co-operation 2007-2013 : 13 programmes 6
INTERREG IVB Themes for transnational co-operation operation Innovation: scientific and technological networks, research and technological development Environment and natural and technological risk prevention, maritime security Improving of accessibility to major networks and systems interoperability Sustainable urban development 7
Programme Alpine Space 2007-2013 2013 Total budget : ERDF contribution: National co-financing : 129.980.630 EUR 97.792.311 EUR 32.188.319 EUR *********** PRIORITIES Priority 1: Competitiveness and Attractiveness Total budget = 42.333.776 EUR) Priority 2: Accessibility and Connectivity Total budget = 36.286.096 EUR Priority 3: Environment and Risk Prevention Total budget = 42.333.776 EUR Priority 4: Technical Assistance Total budget = 9.026.982 EUR NEW in 2007-2013: 2013: Concerning the budget and the co-funding rates, the programming period 2007 2013 brings some considerable changes: regional projects will be co-funded by the ERDF up to a rate of 75% (and 85% in some cases). Optional recourse to the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) that is a new legal entity open to Member States, regional or local authorities, associations, any other public bodies to facilitate and promote cross border, transnational and regional cooperation (Reg. (EC) n 1082/2006 05/07/2006). 8
Programme Alpine Space 2007-2013 2013 The first call for project proposals is opened from 03/012/2007 until 21/04/2008 The European Commission supports the implementation of the programme but isn t involved in the selection of the projects 9
A more ambitious programme aiming at high-quality co-operation operation projects Results and experiences gained under INTERREG IIIB shall be taken into consideration in the implementation of the new projects. Submission of concrete and qualitative joint projects that contribute to the objectives of the programme In 2007-2013 2013 the emphasis on proper information and communication at all levels of the structural funds management process is not only maintained, but even strengthened (Reg. (EC) n 1083/2006 n -11/07/2006 & Reg. (EC) 1828/2006 08/12/2006) Communicating project results to the political level,, the partnership and to the regional and local public should be reinforced. Transparency on EU spending: obligation to publish the list of beneficiaries. 10
INTERREG IVC Interregional co-operation operation (network and exchange of experience)
INTERREG IVC Interregional Co-operation operation Programme This programme supports 2 different types of intervention: Regional Initiative Projects : from traditional networking activities to transfer of experience and/or implementation of pilot projects (outputs: tangible deliverables). Capitalisation of results are interregional cooperation projects focusing specifically on the transfer of regional development good practices into Structural Funds mainstream programmes (output : action plan signed by all stakeholders). => a first call for proposals terminated mid-january 2008 (about( 500 applications) a second call should be launched towards the end of 2008. More information at : http://www.interreg4c.net/ 12
INTERREG IVC Interregional Co-operation operation Programme The new EU initiative Regions for Economic Change (RfEC) will be developed through INTERREG IV C. What is the new EU initiative Regions for Economic Change (RfEC RfEC)? It introduces new ways to dynamise regional and urban networks and to help them work closely with the Commission, to have innovative ideas tested and rapidly disseminated into the Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment, and European Territorial cooperation programmes. Financing for the networks projects linked to the initiative is possible under INTERREG IVC. More information can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/interregional/ecochange/index_en.cfm ochange/index_en.cfm 13
Thank you! Please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm 14