WRITTEN QUESTION E-2664/01

by Sérgio Marques (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 October 2001)

Subject: Objective 1 programmes

On 5 July 2001 the Commission adopted a communication on the quality of regional development programmes under Objective 1 for the period 2000-2006. The communication, which was presented to the informal Council in Namur, gives a broadly positive assessment whilst noting the existence of a number of difficulties.

The main problems include the excessive time taken on average for programmes to be adopted, the failure to lay down more efficient implementing rules at national level, shortcomings as regards taking account of the importance of the competitive philosophy in the performance reserve in certain Member States and, finally, disparities in the Member States' application of the new rules on the effective involvement of regional and social partners and civil society.

Bearing in mind that the success of structural policies directly depends on the effective and coherent implementation of programmes under the structural funds, what mechanisms will the Commission put in place to remedy the shortcomings found, and what factors does it consider to be at the origin of these shortcomings?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 November 2001)

The Commission's communication of 5 July 2001 The results of the programming of the Structural Funds for 2000-2006 (Objective 1)(1) includes the main points about Community assistance programmed under this Objective, with particular attention to the outcome of the negotiations with the Member States and the value added by the Community. This takes the form of better quality plans with strategic shifts which are sometimes significant. Although the outcome of these negotiations was generally positive, the Commission mentioned and identified some difficulties encountered during this exercise.

For example, where there were some delays in adopting programmes, the Commission believes there is a balance to be struck between the length of negotiations and the quality of the results, particularly in areas such as the introduction of adequate management and surveillance systems, the inclusion of evaluation before programming and broad consultations within the partnership and checks on compliance with Community policies, particularly those concerning the environment and competition. The Commission announced in the communication that it would ensure that the Member States respected their commitments in this regard.

The communication includes two main messages:

- Since the entry into force of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds(2), the Commission has adopted a very wide range of provisions to deal with various difficulties which could arise. These include two Regulations laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 as regards the management and control systems for assistance granted under the Structural Funds(3) and as regards the procedure for making financial corrections to assistance granted under the Structural Funds(4). The Commission invites the Member States to make greater efforts in these fields which are vital to ensure more efficient use of the Structural Funds, in accordance with the new implementing Regulations, and in particular computer management systems to avoid delays in interim payments. The Commission intends to make a comparative analysis of financial management and surveillance systems which will permit identification of best practice and promote new solutions to problems arising in this area.

- The Commission will ensure the sound operation of the partnership, which should be as broad as possible, but also more proactive and responsible in terms of the actual management of assistance.

The Third Report on Economic and Social Cohesion, which should be presented at the beginning of 2004, will provide an occasion to look at the statutory improvements which need to be made to the operation of the Structural Funds in the 2007-13 programming period. Between now and 2004, the Commission, in liaison with national experts, the regions, associations, etc., will continue to reflect in detail on a number of topics concerning the future of cohesion policy. This will include a review of the system for managing the Funds with a view to its simplification.

(1) COM(2001) 378 final.

(2) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.

(3) Commission Regulation (EC) No 438/2001 (OJ L 63, 3.3.2001).

(4) Commission Regulation (EC) No 448/2001 (OJ L 64, 6.3.2001).