ETC reflected in the reports issued by the HLGS

What was considered during the discussions? Relevant legal framework CPR, ERDF, ETC, ESF, EGTC…. 18 implementing and delegated acts Guidance documents REFIT opinions AND Interventions from other managing authorities, institutions and stakeholders involved in managing EU funds

HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on e-Governance Suggestion for further reflection for post 2020: eMS - best practice - used as example to develop a similar electronic system /to extend this one for all programmes - ensure interconnectivity with SFC

HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on SCOs (I) Recommendation to the COM for 2014-2020 period Interact Programme - to be further supported as a useful instrument for ETC programmes towards the practical use of SCOs and other simplification methods (e.g. studies, workshops)

HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on SCOs (II) Suggestions for further reflection for post 2020 reflecting on extending the possibilities for declaring output-based expenditure in particular for infrastructure projects (eg reimbursement based on a unit cost per kilometre of new built road) exploring ways to improve and simplify the legal framework and introduce potential other options for SCOs, based on lessons learnt eg. to introduce differentiated flat rates for different thematic objectives identifying ways to make the use of SCOs mandatory/extend the use of mandatory SCOs, BUT with clear requirements on audit and control finding a suitable way to avoid conflict between the use of SCOs and state aid rules

HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on Gold-plating (I) ETC: divergent national administrative cultures Recommendation to the COM for the post 2020 period ETC: auditors - systematic comparative analysis of rules and procedures applied in MSs - findings incorporated in the recommendations from the COM (pointing out unnecessary regulatory/administrative burden) - COM - dissemination of identified good practices among MSs

HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on Gold-plating (II) Suggestion for further reflection for post 2020: Legal requirements & interpretation guidance tailor-made to the size of the financial support  ETC: management and control requirements adapted to complexity & funds available Exemption of ETC from State aid rules

HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on cross-cutting audit issues Suggestion for further reflection for post 2020 – key issues to be considered: audit and management verifications: potential and criteria for differentiation specific treatment of ETC programmes

Post 2020 recommendations Proactive, predictable and stable policy Balance between results orientation and simplification with audits Switch focus from correction to prevention Define common indicators to find the impact Complement, don’t overlap

Post 2020 recommendations – ETC specifics Customized and targeted simplification Focus on principles List of non-eligible expenditures Guidelines and designation process for AA Tailored made indicators use of SCOs Measures to prevent errors

HLGS Final Conclusions and Recommendations for post 2020 (I) ETC – exponent of European added value customised & targeted simplification steps needed – single separate & complete regulation – ETC-specific implementation provisions exemption: state aid rules + ex-ante conditionalities (continued) one complete set of common indicators tailored towards the ETC programmes + data at NUTS III level in cross-border areas made readily available to programmes

HLGS Final Conclusions and Recommendations for post 2020 (II) ETC-specific TOs tailored to the special needs of border regions Separate designated objective/investment priority for facilitating the future use of integrated instruments at local level (keeping their optional nature) eMS continued and its use encouraged  unitary approach by all programmes (same templates, application forms, progress reports, etc.)  better aggregation of data Clarify the role of EGTCs

Iulia Hertzog