29-11-2016 09:15
Workshop on Ex-Ante Conditionalities in Cohesion Policies
On Tuesday, 29 November 2016, the Workshop on Ex-ante conditionalities in Cohesion Policies took place at the REGI Committee meeting. It addressed the Ex-ante conditionalities (EACs) that could be defined as the key prerequisite for efficient drawing of funds from the ESI Funds. EACs were directly linked to ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the five ESI funds.
The Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) clearly states that where the fulfilment of EACs is not perceived by the Commission as sufficient, this may lead to non-payment or suspension of interim payments to the programme part concerned.
It is an option and not an obligation for the Commission to suspend interim payments. Significant fulfilment of ex-ante conditionalities and, where applicable, the schedule of their implementation is part of the Partnership Agreement and individual programmes.
The Workshop on Ex-Ante Conditionalities in Cohesion Policies was opened by REGI Chair Ms Iskra Mihaylova and featured two external experts, DG REGIO representative and one national expert in charge of PA, evaluation and EACs. The presentations were followed by a debate with the Members of the REGI committee.