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The future of the cross border cooperation in the next EU’s Cohesion policy

José de Palma, Director, DG REGIO

1. How do you foresee the evolution of EGTCs? Will they handle specific structural funds in the future?

Currently and in the context of CBC programs, the regulations provide funds to be made available through joint projects on both sides of the border. But nothing prevents EGTCs to apply for joint projects and as a result to become recipients of the funds. As for now, the managing authorities of each program are the custodians of European funding. However, EGTCs could be able to manage funds, should future European regulations allow it. Currently, the regulations do not allow to go further.

2. How better integrate and involve civil society in cross-border cooperation?




In each cooperation program, there is a steering committee. The authorities in charge may invite NGOs, universities, representatives of civil society, associations and trade unions to participate. Today, the existing regulation allows these stakeholders to accompany, to be present, participate and give their opinion.



3. In the next programming period, what changes will facilitate the management of INTERREG projects?




We are currently thinking about a simplification of the management of these programs. Indeed, these are programs with a multinational character, which are currently facing the different application of national laws. It is important to find a common system with common eligibility rules that will allow a simplification and a better management of these programs. Procedures of certification and audit should also be reviewed. The Commission is currently working on all these simplifications to allow programs to be more flexible and more operational in terms of management. These programs are very specific compared to other European programs and therefore it is necessary that they find a management and control system better suited to their specific characteristics.



4. Will the development of macro-regional strategies be taken into account in the future cohesion policy?




The two macro-regional strategies are not programs. It is rather a concept, which allows to better coordinate European, national and local policies and political and financial instruments for a certain territory, which has common problems and for which common solutions must be found.
It is a place where people meet and decide on a strategic framework (Strategy Paper and Joint Action Plan) with priorities and a range of exemplary projects that can be achieved.
These strategies serve as a framework of reference but are not a source of funding in themselves. For now, national, regional and local actors in the Baltic Sea are implementing on the ground a strategy for this region. The European Council asked the Commission to do the same for the Danube basin, by preparing a strategy with concerned stakeholders. Other initiatives are currently under consideration in Europe.