1. Twenty years of EU co-financed programmes in Greece:
evolution of administrative
structures
Dex AGOURIDES
Director General
Management Organisation Unit of the Community Support Framework (M.O.U. s.a.)

2. Benefits Structural funds in Greece were managed by public bodies
Despite persisting problems, experience has shown that after 20 years:
Technical and administrative capacity improved
Transparent monitoring and coordination mechanisms established
Reformed institutions in place

3. 1989-1993: CSF I 1994-1999: CSF II 2000-2006: CSF III
Implementation of EU Regional Policy in Greece
“Light” Regulatory Framework
: CSF I
Simple implementation procedures
“Standardised” Regulatory Framework
: CSF II
EU and Member-States equally responsible in programming and decision making
“Reformed” Regulatory Framework
: CSF III
Responsibilities transferred to Member States. Strict audit systems. Need for reforms in public administration

4. From CSF I to CSF II Response: Weaknesses:
Structural inefficiencies in public sector
Needs:
Greater involvement of the private sector
Appointment of external Management Consultants (use of Technical Assistance)
Introduction of interministerial cooperation process (i.e. Mixed Guidance Committees)
Establishment of government agencies run with private sector rules
Introduction of a uniform MIS
Establishing a networking mechanism

5. From CSF II to CSF III Weaknesses: Response:
Bureaucratic procedures
Lack of flexibility due to the public accounting system for payments
Lack of specialised staff
Technological gaps (IT)
Lack of incentives for accelerated performance
Needs:
Decentralisation of decision making
Less bureaucracy
Emphasis on monitoring, evaluation and control
Sound financial management, transparency in implementation
Response:
Emphasis on human resources (skills & expertise, training)
New institutional framework introduced
Legislative reforms
New technologies in the public sector and new tools
Systematic use of technical assistance
Partnership / Consultation

6. Overall assessment FRAMEWORK ISSUES REGULATORY MANAGEMENT
Tight requirements, too demanding and causing delays in implementation
Introduction of uniform procedures rather than adjusted to national standards
Incompatibilities of national legislative framework with management and control systems established by EU regulations
REGULATORY
Cumbersome procedures delaying implementation
Lack of flexibility
Inadequate coordination between Government departments
Lack of independence of management bodies
MANAGEMENT
Fragmentation in many small projects
Large number of weak and inefficient Final Beneficiaries
Lack of specialised human resources and know-how
Technological gaps
IMPLEMENTATION

7. Transition towards the period 2007-2013
Difficulties encountered so far
Guiding principles for the future
Cumbersome procedures
Simplification of procedures
Large number of Operational Programmes
Reduction of Operational Programmes
Coordination problems, synergies, overlap of responsibilities
Development of an innovative management and control system based on best practices
Multitude of weak and inefficient implementing bodies (Final Beneficiaries)
Rationalisation of implementing bodies - Enhancement of their technical and managerial capacities - Introduction of certification system
Issues of compliance of legislation, in sectors crucial for co-funded projects
Consolidation of pending legislative issues

8. The main impact of Structural Funds on Greek Administration:
Good Governance
Wide consultation with social partners
Establishment of a more coherent institutional framework
Gradual improvement of performance in terms of planning & implementing programmes and projects
Partnership with the private sector
Introduction of reforms with positive spillover benefits across the entire public administration

9. Why MOU?
The CSF Management Organisation Unit (MOU s.a.) is a non-profit making
institution operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and
Finance.
It was established in 1996 as a support mechanism in order to:
Tackle problems identified during the implementation of the CSF
Fill specific know-how gaps
Strengthen the administrative and management capacity of CSF implementing bodies
By-pass the rigid administrative procedures and inflexibilities of the Greek Civil Service
The MOU’s role is to complement and not substitute civil-service tasks
MOU supports public administration in the effective management and
implementation of the CSF by meeting specific needs in:
highly specialised human resources
infrastructure support (offices, equipment and IT)
consulting (management systems, tools and know-how)

10. Value-Added New cultural aspect in public administration: pilot
The MOU is widely recognised as a model, flexible and efficient structure:
It is a unique agency combining qualified experts from both the private and public sector
New cultural aspect in public administration: pilot
It provides quality technical assistance
Modernisation of public structures
It is able to timely respond to a number of urgent needs and demands
Flexibility, efficiency & immediate response