OPENDAYS 2011 Added value and efficiency through the use of article 37.6(b) and EGTC Cooperation in the mainstream programmes example of Limousin (France)

OPENDAYS 2011OPENDAYS 2011

Added value and efficiency through the use Added value and efficiency through the use of article 37.6(b) and EGTCof article 37.6(b) and EGTC

Cooperation in the mainstream programmes Cooperation in the mainstream programmes example of Limousin (France)example of Limousin (France)

• 731 000 inhabitants731 000 inhabitants

• 43 inhab / km²43 inhab / km²

• 39% population is rural39% population is rural

Strategic objectivesTo reduce the negative impact of borders on economic development and EU territorial integration

To improve the efficiency of policies and tools dedicated to competitiveness and cohesion

To identify innovative solutions to similar problems for which a regional or national approach is not relevant

To valorize Limousin’s potential and know-how and to reinforce its positive image

Specific objectivesTo disseminate the added value of previous interregional cooperation experiences

To stimulate, facilitate and simplify the access to interregional cooperation

To develop transnational partnerships able to apply for targeted European programmes (FP7, CIP, Youth…)

To promote interregional cooperation for the benefit of local stakeholders

4 million euros (app. 3% of the total ERDF budget for 2007-2013)

Different kind of project :

Networks = exchange and dissemination of informations between partners interested in a project => new knowledge and innovative methods

Pilot projects = exchange and transfer of good practices, concentrating on a specific thematic of cooperation => new types of actions

Regional frame operation = capitalisation of good practices within a strategic and operational framework => methodology and tools for transfer

Intensity of Intensity of cooperationcooperation

__

++

Axis 5 = Facilitating partnerships of international and interregional

cooperation

Organization of the Limousin Axis 5 in a nutshell

• Regional Council = Intermediate structure in charge of the management of the Axis 5

• “Rules” fixed in a “Implementation Document” (types of beneficiaries, nature of eligible expenses, selection criterias, maximum ERDF cofunding rate, etc.)

• No calls for proposals

• Mainly “unilateral” cooperation

• The Axis 5 controlled by the DG Regio in 2010

Feedback from Limousin

Added Value Difficulties

-An integrated approach

-A greater flexibility in the implementation and management

-The complementarity with Objective 2 and Objective 3, and sectoral programs (FP7, CIP,...)

-The possibility to finance infrastructure

- A greater proximity to the stakeholders and beneficiaries

-The lack of reciprocity

-A delay in programming

-Because its new, a need to justify the efficient use of the fundings

The INTERACT pilot projectWhat benefits?

A constructive exchange of experiences about the use of article 37.6(b)

A useful introspection on our own practices

A better knowledge of the Regions using article 37.6(b) which helps to identify new potential partners

A chance to promote the cooperation within the mainstream !

Recommendations

For a future 37.6 (b) article

For a good use of the 37.6(b)

- To keep a specific article in the EU regulation

- To allow a flexible approach

- To better communicate about the article

- To preserve the possibility to finance infrastructure

- To increase ERDF cofunding rate

- To be supported by policy-makers

- To have a unique and well identified management office, experienced in managing structural funds and expert in project engineering

- To allow projects with different intensity of cooperation

Thank you for your attention!

Contacts: Sébastien Proeschel

Délégation à la Coopérationtel: 05 55 45 18 19

[email protected]

www.europeenlimousin.fr