Implementing structural funds in the new member states: ten policy challenges

Paper presented at the ‘Roundtable on Benchmarking the Ten New Member States’, organised by the Scottish Executive EU Office

EU cohesion policy and the role of the regions : investigating the influence of structural funds in the new member states

This paper undertakes a critical assessment of the influence of the EU Cohesion policy on regionalisation and the role of regional institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. It addresses questions that are central to ongoing theoretical debates about the role of the region in the new member states. Have the powers and resources of the regions been strengthened by their involvement in EU support programmes? Are regions increasingly involved in integrated 'bottom-up' responses to regional development challenges? The paper offers a fresh perspective on these issues, with a cross-national analysis of practical experience in the postenlargement period and a detailed assessment of the technical, variable, and complex reality of working with EU Structural Funds. A distinctive approach of the analysis is to disaggregate the stages of Structural Funds programme management and delivery, thereby highlighting the varied nature of regional involvement in Structural Funds. Ultimately, the paper questions the notion that Structural Funds build regional structures and competence, and lead to 'stronger regions'. Instead, it is argued that there is no guarantee that the Structural Funds will necessarily promote regionalisation in Central and Eastern Europe, at least in the short to medium terms

Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland cross corder territorial cooperation programme 2007–2013 : Development of a Joint Strategic Approach on Behalf of Scottish Partners, First Interim Report to Scotland Europa, Glasgow

Examines the development of the Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland cross corder territorial cooperation programme between 2007and 2013

Reconsidering Cohesion Policy : the Contested debate on Territorial Cohesion

The incorporation of territorial cohesion as a regional policy objective has focused attention on the potential role of territorial cooperation in pursuing this goal. However, the broad agreement on the positive effects of territorial cooperation is not always matched by the same enthusiasm when funds are being allocated. The concrete impact of territorial cooperation is often difficult to identify. At the same time, in terms of the qualitative impacts of territorial cooperation, the added value of INTERREG for territorial cohesion is difficult to dispute

The 2007-13 operational programmes: a preliminary assessment: Spring – Autumn 2005

A preliminary assessment of the 2007-13 operational programmes on EU cohesion policy

European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland Post 2020

Despite Brexit debates, the cycle of programme planning and delivery carries on in Scotland. Scotland has been, and continues to be, a valued partner in a number of European Territorial Cooperation programmes. In terms of planning for the future, Brexit and on-going debates on the EU regulations, proposed programme geographies and funding mean there are significant ‘unknowns’. However, there are equally important ‘knowns’ and past experience to use as an initial basis for planning. On Brexit: 1. The new European Territorial Cooperation Regulations proposed by the European Commission’s DG Regio make provision for UK participation as a third country, if by that time it has left the EU. 2. Third country participation is a routine part of Interreg and other European Cooperation Programmes, especially for Programmes in which Scotland currently participates. On the post-2020 programmes: 1. The broad areas of intervention proposed in the draft ETC regulations are unlikely to change substantially in the final draft. 2. Programme geographies are not yet agreed. But, European Commission plans for major changes have been challenged, and in the past Programme areas have only ever increased. A likely scenario would be, therefore, limited change. On Scottish engagement: 1. Good experience and engagement with past programmes and projects means there is a strong commitment to on-going participation in Interreg in Scotland. 2. Scottish partners, and their expertise, are valued by collaboration partners and programmes. Working on this basis, this report presents the findings of a series of Scottish Government workshops and a conference on opportunities for Future of European Territorial Cooperation. The report highlights the particular value attached to European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland, provides clear indications of thematic and territorial areas of interest for the post 2020 period, and illustrates the potential for territorial cooperation and interest in maintaining cooperation going forward

Case-based Impact Evaluation of the Interact Programme 2014-2020

The Interact programme has a distinct role in reinforcing the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experience and best practice in relation to the implementation of cooperation programmes and actions. For the 2014-2020 period Interact’s overall objective is broken down into three programme-specific objectives to inprove: i) the management and control capacity of Interreg programmes; ii) Interreg capacity in capturing and communicating programme results; and iii) cooperation management capacity to implement innovative approaches.The Impact Evaluation of the Interact programme assesses the effect of Interact’s services on Interreg programmes and other relevant stakeholders, particularly macro-regional strategy actors. It aims to answer “How has Interact contributed to supporting Interreg programmes, and in the case of macro-regional strategies other relevant stakeholders, and to improving/changing practices?” The evaluation is based on case studies of five specific Interact projects. The evaluation finds sound evidence that the five Interact projects generated immediate results, in terms of changed practices in programme authorities and cultures (‘mindsets’) and improved systems and tools. Further, the case studies also demonstrate that Interact has an impact on programmes that goes beyond capacity building. There is sound evidence that the selected services have tangible effects on the efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery, on programmes’ resilience to change, and also on the programmes’ stakeholders, in particular applicants/beneficiaries

An Impact Evaluation of the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020 : Final Report

The aim of the report is to assess the contribution of the four programme priority axes of the 2014-20 Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme to their objectives and the contribution to implementation of the horizontal priorities. The Programme has achieved a strong start to the 2014- 20 period although it is still at an early stage for measuring impact. An assessment of mediumlonger terms impacts from the past programme period shows a positive picture of impact sustainability with improved access to services being one of the key strengths. Area experiences of project impact vary, with place-specific factors (including type of partner, partner roles and domestic frameworks) conditioning impact. Detailed case studies are used to establish, for each Specific Objective, the causal link between project results and observed development in the programme area. A range of impacts can be established including: new SME links to R&D institutes/public sector supporting economic development; new business growth opportunities; improved service provision to remote communities; changing attitudes and perceptions; future oriented strategic partnerships and transnational links; and growing local capacity to engage with macro development issues

Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland cross-border territorial cooperation programme 2007–2013 : development of a joint strategic approach on behalf of Scottish partners

Describes the Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland cross-border territorial cooperation programme 2007–2013

Cross programme collaboration between regional territorial cooperation programmes

There are increased pressures to improve linkages between European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programmes. This article identifies three models that can assist more collaborative approaches. It goes on to draw practical lessons on issues around the establishment of such mechanisms. The article draws on the authors’ experiences in relation to formulating and consulting on proposals for a collaborative mechanism in the Euro-Arctic region. Regional territorial cooperation is considered an important driver for development in the Arctic and adjacent northern European regions and is supported by European Arctic States and the European Union. Experience from the Arctic demonstrates the added value of regional collaboration. However, formalised cooperation and collaboration need to be highly tailored to specific regional needs and conditions. The development of formal mechanisms needs to build trust and acceptance among the key stakeholders