Commission and OECD list recommendations to improve the management of EU funds in Member States

Today, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published its conclusions of a pilot project through which the European Commission and OECD support Member States in developing and testing solutions to improve governance and management of EU funds in all Member States. The report contains concrete recommendations for cohesion programme authorities, for example on building the right organisational structures, improving management and planning capacities, boosting skills of personnel, and involving EU funds beneficiaries as well as business and social partners. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “Having in place quality institutions and well-functioning administrations is a prerequisite for successful public investment and good services for citizens and businesses. I encourage the Member States and regions to make good use of the results of this work and ensure that the new programmes are well equipped and up and running on day one.” The conclusions of the report will feed into the development of a dedicated toolkit with practical support to the authorities in charge of handling EU funding programmes. Improving the capacity to prepare and implement projects on the ground is complemented by other EU initiatives to support public administrations and broader structural reforms, such as the current Structural Reforms Support Programme or the future Reform Support Programme. It will also contribute to boost capacities and expertise of public administrations in promoting sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. The report is available here, and a factsheet with its main takeaways here.