1. ETC reflected in the reports issued by the HLGS

2. 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

3. 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

4. HLGS Conclusions and Recommendations on SCOs (I)
Recommendation to the COM for 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Iulia Hertzog