Shift of responsibilities in the management of EU funds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

2.7.2014

Question for written answer E-005608-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Molly Scott Cato (Verts/ALE)

In response to a letter from the chair of the Committee on Regional Development of 17 April 2014 expressing concern about the shift of competences for the management of European Structural and Investment Funds from regional authorities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly towards central government bodies in the UK, the Commission acknowledged the significance of the change proposed in the partnership agreement for the UK as regards compliance with the principles of partnership and multi-level governance and effective implementation.

Does the Commission agree that the regulations on the EU funds have been designed so as to increase efficiency in implementation of the funds by reinforcing the role of regional authorities? Does it agree, furthermore, that moving funding and management decisions away from regional authorities is counterproductive, particularly so in this case since the region concerned is a very distinct region in the context of cohesion policy in the UK, with different requirements to the rest of the UK?

Will the Commission accept that highly skilled, well-paid jobs are going to be lost in the region concerned as functions are being moved outside the region?

How does the Commission intend to fulfil its responsibility to defend the requirements of the regulations by insisting on fulfilment of partnership and multi-level governance?