1. Where do we stand with the Structural Funds?
Lewis Dijkstra
Directorate General for Regional Policy
European Commission

2. Where do we stand in the process?
Financial Perspectives agreed
SF, ERDF, ESF Regulations adopted
Community Strategic Guidelines adopted
Process of MS meetings on NSRF has started
Operational Programmes in preparation

3. The overall architecture
Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion – framework and coherence of EU policy
National Strategic Reference Framework – Member State strategic document for cohesion policy
Operational Programmes – management tools for cohesion policy implementation

4. The phases CSG – Council adopts within 6 months of regulation adoption
NSRF – Member State submits within 5 months of CSG adoption
OPs – Member State submits within 5 months of CSG adoption
OPs – Commision adopts within 4 months of MS submission

5. The content of the NRSF
Analysis of disparities, weaknesses and potential
Strategic approach chosen
Priorities and objectives - including thematic and territorial
 Commission makes observations

6. The content of the NRSF 2
List of Operational Programmes for Convergence and RCE objectives
Annual allocation by programme and fund (indicative)
Convergence regions: administrative efficiency measures + additionality information
 Commission takes a decision

7. Operational Programmes
Translates priorities and objectives from NSRF into actions.
SWOT analysis of region or sector
Justification of choices and expected results
Priorities and targets: quantified through indicators
2 financial tables
Annual community contribution by fund
Full period contribution by community and national sources to OP and priority axis

8. Operational Programmes 2
EAFRD and EEF consistency description
Implementing provisions:
Managing authority
Certifying authority
Audit authority
Monitoring and evaluation systems
Payments bodies

9. Fourth Cohesion Report
Social, economic and territorial cohesion
Impact of national policies on cohesion
Impact of other community policies on cohesion
Impact of the structural funds on cohesion
Recommendations for policy

10. Data Needs
Regional Accountsregional GDP and GVA up to 2004;extend real GDP growth up to 2004;improve data availability of GFCF;improve data availability of total employment

11. Thank you for your attention!