Programmes Under Continued Pressure : Review of Programme Implementation, Winter 2010-Spring 2011 : IQ-Net Review Paper 28(1)

Michie, Rona (2011) Programmes Under Continued Pressure : Review of Programme Implementation, Winter 2010-Spring 2011 : IQ-Net Review Paper 28(1). European Policies Research Centre, Glasgow [University of Strathclyde].

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Abstract

Four years into the 2007-13 programme period, the ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund programmes are getting into their stride in terms of programme absorption, project animation and delivery, monitoring and evaluation. Managing authorities continue to work under difficult circumstances, with the ongoing impact of the economic crisis, as well as changes in government; this is reflected in constrained public spending and ongoing organisational change, with resultant uncertainty regarding staff resources and the potential loss of expertise. The remainder of the programme period is likely to present continued and additional difficulties. Despite these issues, most programmes are rising to the challenge, achieving their spending targets and actively doing all they can to expedite programme implementation. The objective of this paper is to review recent developments in the implementation of the 2007-13 programmes. It draws on a mix of desk research and interviews with staff working on the implementation of Structural Funds programmes in the 17 Member States where managing authorities and programme secretariats are partners in IQ-Net. The surveyed programmes collectively account for over a third of Cohesion policy spending and encompass a mix of Convergence, Regional Competitiveness & Employment, and PhasingIn/Out regions. The desk-based research has focused on EU-level and programme documents, including financial performance and monitoring data. Interviews were conducted with managing authorities, programme secretariats and national coordination bodies.

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