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INTERACT Focus 2012
INTERACT’s work plan for 2012 addresses three main focus areas: Current challenges for the European Territorial Cooperation community, preparing ground for 2014-2020 and promoting European Territorial Cooperation. Below you will find an overview of INTERACT services for 2012. The main activities are presented in the left menu.
1) Addressing current challenges
In 2012 we offer several collaborative and exchange activities for improvements during the current period:
- Annual meeting of Certifying Authorities - focus on closure of INTERREG III and on irregularities
- Meeting of Audit Authorities and Groups of Auditors
- Monitoring Systems Network
- Supporting closure of ETC programmes (to come soon)
- Improving capitalisation in the Mediterranean: Lab Group for a Mediterranean Platform
- Linking Territorial Cooperation and other objectives of the Cohesion Policy, such as the pilot on Article. 37.6.b and cooperation in mainstream programmes or aligning Structural funds and other funding sources in the conference on sustainable growth (foreseen to take place during the second semester)
2) Preparing the ground for 2014-2020
Consultation on the draft legal package
2011 saw important developments in shaping the future of ETC programmes. The year began with a consultation on the 5th Cohesion Report and ended with active discussions regarding the draft legal package for the future of EU’s Cohesion Policy.
Throughout 2011, INTERACT organised numerous opportunities for ETC stakeholders to meet and discuss future developments, to consolidate opinions and proposals and to communicate these to the decision makers. All documents produced are available HERE.
In 2012, discussions regarding the future will continue and INTERACT will also continue to engage programme colleagues:
- Conference on the new draft regulations, Valencia, 31.01.2012.
- Consultation on the proposal for a Common Strategic Framework (proposal presented on 12.03.2012). For more information, please contact Ieva Kalnina from INTERACT Point Viborg, tel: +45 78 41 13 80, email: firstname.lastname@interact-eu.net.
Harmonisation work
It is important that the ETC community play an active part in shaping its own future. One of the key outcomes from INTERACT’s work in 2010 and 2011 was the wish expressed by ETC programme managers and controllers to harmonise certain processes, documents and management approaches. Even though certain flexibility is still needed in order to adapt ETC programmes to the different legal and administrative backgrounds, they share some core programme implementation activities.
Harmonisation work includes:
- Strategic programming of OPs,
- Programme set up (legal documents and implementation tools),
- Models for programme and project reporting and project application forms (to come soon),
- Eligibility rules for the entire EU, including simplified cost options,
- First Level Control templates and procedures,
- Tools for Audit Authorities,
- Outcomes of evaluation of communication activities (to come soon).
Harmonisation would result in a joint understanding of, as well as an approach to, key requirements for all ETC programmes, more efficient work in all ETC programmes with stronger focus on delivery results and simplification for beneficiaries who will use similar tools and rules while working with different programmes.
To obtain more information, materials/documents, or to give us your feedback via the interactive forum, please visit GroupSpaces thematic portals on ETC post 2013 work.
3) Promoting European Territorial Cooperation - European Cooperation Day
During the past years, ETC programmes expressed the wish to establish joint ETC communication for the benefit of ETC as a whole. INTERACT organised a first meeting on 26 May 2011 with interested programmes. The idea of a European Cooperation Day was the main outcome of this meeting. What is European Cooperation Day? One brand, one visual identity, plenty of local events. These events will all take place around 21st of Seotember. Each will be organised by a different programme or by groups of programmes working together. The goal is to improve visibility of European Territorial Cooperation, to disseminate its outcomes and to show how it has impacted the quality of life for the populations it serves. Keep informed at all times of the developments of the European Cooperation Day.
Your participation
All these major activities can only happen with your support and involvement. INTERACT contacted all programmes and sent an online survey in July 2011. Our services for 2012 reflect your needs, and you are most welcome to join us in our 2012 activities.
What is happening when?
Please visit our calendar for a complete overview of INTERACT services.
Ad-hoc services
INTERACT also remains at the disposal of programmes for specific requests/advisory services. Do not hesitate to contact the INTERACT Point responsible for your programme!
