Sharing Solutions on Structural Funds
Regional and local authorities are increasingly involved in the elaboration and implementation of EU policies For instance, in EU regional policy they are involved in programming, managing, monitoring and evaluating Structural Funds programmes. To enhance institutional capacities and the success of authorities in dealing with Structural Funds, regions need to develop new ways to involve local stakeholders while at the same time keeping decision-making processes transparent and efficient. Regions also need to learn how to better communicate the objectives and goals of Structural Funds and create a sense of ownership of projects in the regions. Objectives The operation "S3 – Sharing solutions on Structural Funds" aims at transferring and further developing know-how and tools for the development and management of Structural Funds programmes. With a particular focus on bottom-up approaches through the involvement of local stakeholders, project partners want to create a strong and reliable network for the creation and dissemination of relevant know-how and tools to regional institutions, including those in the new member states. Results The operation enhances the capacities of partner institutions to implement and manage Structural Funds programmes. It increases the awareness of good practice in Structural Funds management among partners and stakeholders. Activities include analyzing and benchmarking of regional Structural Funds management skills as well as disseminating innovative and tested tools for programming and management. To disseminate lesions learned, partners conduct interregional study tours, workshops and conferences and exchange staff.