1. Regional and Urban Policy EMA Network – Presentation and organisation Energy and Managing Authorities (EMA) Network Brussels, 16 March 2015 Maud SKÄRINGER Policy Analyst European Commission Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy

2. Regional and Urban Policy Support Member States to make best use of Cohesion Policy funding for energy by: strengthening connections, cooperation and exchange of information, knowledge and practices among all the authorities dealing with the integration of the energy dimension within the ERDF and CF, in particular implementation of energy related programmes and projects. Informal platform of exchange among Member States, but also between the Commission and the representatives of the Member States. Purpose

3. Regional and Urban Policy Members Representatives of national energy authorities and of Cohesion Policy Managing Authorities dealing with energy. DG ENER and DG REGIO will ensure the operation of the network. Other relevant Commission DGs might participate as well on a case by case basis. Representatives of relevant organisations representing International Financial Institutions (IFIs), industry or coalition of NGOs active on Cohesion Policy and on energy issues may be invited as appropriate to participate as observers in specific meetings.

4. Regional and Urban Policy Scope The main themes to be covered are the energy related priority areas of funding under 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy, including: Renewable energy, including distributed generation Energy efficiency, in particular energy efficiency in buildings Smart distribution systems Smart energy transmission and storage Other themes can be addressed on a case by case basis, depending on needs and interests expressed by EMA members as well as on policy developments.

5. Regional and Urban Policy Tasks Among the main tasks of the EMA Network: Allow DG ENER and DG REGIO to inform and update the members about relevant developments linked to energy policy and regional policy Allow national Energy and Managing Authorities to inform and share with the Commission and other members progress and issues at national and regional level as regards energy related programmes and projects Allow the national Energy and Managing Authorities to share good practices Address specific concerns and needs which would request more in-depth work, for instance though a specific Working Group set up within the network

6. Regional and Urban Policy Meetings The Network meets twice a year for plenary sessions of one or one and half days, indicatively one in Brussels and one in a Member State. In addition, specific Working Group(s) might be set up with a dedicated mandate and possible need to organise separate meetings, either as 'stand-alone' meetings or back-to-back with the plenary meetings. Agendas, presentations, short minutes, working group reports and other useful material will be public on dedicated web site (not yet set up). Network also in database of Commission expert groups: http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetai l.groupDetail&groupID=3297&NewSearch=1&NewSearch=1 http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm?do=groupDetai l.groupDetail&groupID=3297&NewSearch=1&NewSearch=1

7. Regional and Urban Policy Critical success factors Identification of issues for discussion in plenaries or working groups based on real needs Well functioning communication between network members and all relevant actors at national and regional level to identify such needs Well functioning dissemination of information and knowledge gained in the network from network members to all relevant actors at national and regional level Open exchange of experiences Stable composition of the network and ensuring enough resources for active participation Exchanges, contacts and active dialogue at all levels also in between the plenary meetings

8. Regional and Urban Policy Inspiration from similar work European Network of Environmental Authorities for the Cohesion Policy (ENEA) set up in 2004. Main goal: To contribute to the integration of environment and sustainable development within the Cohesion Policy programmes and projects. In 2009, membership extended also to Cohesion Policy Managing Authorities, and name changed to European Network of Environmental Authorities-Managing Authorities (ENEA-MA). The re-structured Network brings together environmental and Managing Authorities and other European organisations active in the field of environment and Cohesion Policy. More information at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/enea- ma_plenary_meetings_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/enea- ma_plenary_meetings_en.htm

9. Regional and Urban Policy Issues for reflection and discussion Any first ideas for issues that you would think useful for discussion in plenaries? Any first ideas for issues that you would think useful for more in-depth work in a working group? Would it be useful with 'peer review' / input on the design / implementation of specific measures under the OPs? Any first ideas for how best to involve relevant stakeholders? Any first ideas for how to involve the relevant actors at national and regional level in your Member State? How to relate to other activities, Concerted Actions, working groups, etc.? (in particular for session 4)

10. Regional and Urban Policy Thank you for your attention – looking forward to our joint work!