Alpine Space Summit Stresa, 20 June 2006

1

A new approach for European Transnational
Co-operation 2007-2013

• Alpine Space SummitStresa, 20 June 2006
• Claudio CARUSO
• European Commission
• DG REGIO

2
The origins

• "Transnational" is a co-operation concept
• in 1994 first energy networks (Interreg IIB)
• A development from the European Spatial
  Development Perspective
• in 1996 transnational co-operation on spatial
  planning (spatial planning, flood prevention,
  drought mitigation and pilot actions)
• Pilot phase to 1999 first full phase currently
  in progress (2000-2006)

3
Initial Lessons

• Transnational co-operation is not easy!
• Challenging at all levels programming,
  implementation, management, project level
• Prioritisation suffers in a budgetary context
• Insufficient tangible results (too many types of
  themes and activities in programmes)
• Management problems
• Advantages Clear added value and political
  support for co-operation activities in general

4
ADDED VALUE OF TRANSNATIONAL COOPERATION

• Economies of scale and lever effect to mobilise
  strategic projects
• Answers to interdependence of regions
• Spreading of best practices
• Accelerating the integration between old and new
  MS

5
Difficult Times

• Much harder to justify than cross-border
  co-operation
• 2007-2013 budget outcome reflects this reality
• Almost same budget as this period with double the
  Member States

6
Funding

• Flexibility at national level /- 15

7
Transnational co-operation programme structure

• 13 programme areas agreed
• Discussions between Member States regarding
  management structures, programme priorities and
  programming timetable

8
A new approach

• A clear need to move forward, to change, to
  develop
• How? Content management programme
  relationships political awareness
• Evolution already evident move away from the
  studies and evaluation approach of 1997-99 period
• Need to continue progression the strategic
  dimension (in Alpine Space, thematic workshops
  and targeted call are first important steps)

9
New generation of programmes

• Clear link with cohesion policy objectives
  (Lisbon, Gothenburg) no more (only) exchange of
  experiences
• Programmes must demonstrate how they contribute
  to growth and employment reinforced strategic
  dimension
• Prioritization funding concentrated on few
  priority areas
• Also important to demonstrate integration with
  other SF objectives (Competitiveness and rural
  development) and programmes

10
What does "strategic" mean?

• Narrower content focus
• Themes Innovation, Accessibility, Environment,
  Sustainable Urban Development
• How do these themes fit programme area?
• How to shape the programme to fit the content?
• How to shape project development to meet aims and
  objectives?

11
What does "strategic" mean?

• "Strategic projects" means identifying key issues
  for co-operation in a programme area and driving
  those projects forward
• A degree of "top-down" is not always bad!
• Monitoring Committee has a responsibility for
  project generation/project development providing
  a directing influence on potential projects

12
Co-operation projects of high quality

• No pre-allocations to different regions nor
  Member States participating in the programme
• Projects should compete on the basis of quality
  and relevance (incl. visibility and
  transferability of results)
• True Lead Partner (LP) projects, where the LP is
  responsible for implementing the whole project
  and concludes agreement with MA and with the
  beneficiaries participating in the operation
  (project partners)

13
Programme Relationships

• Relationships between countries equally important
• Vital to build solid relationships at committee
  level, and among national contact points
• Those involved must work for the good of the
  programme, not the good of their country
• Good co-operation inside Alpine Space in recent
  years already evident in programme preparation
  for the next period

14
Programme Management

• Management relationships must be close,
  well-structured, and with mutual confidence
• Direct benefit to the programme
• Fast start-up crucial to allow the new programmes
  to reach cruising speed no running to catch up!

15
Political Awareness

• Visibility!
• Getting the message out about the importance of
  transnational co-operation
• Raising awareness and profile of transnational
  actions and explaining the successes to the
  right people
• Think publicity and information

16
Conclusions

• The next period is not merely a continuation
• Not quite "revolution", but much more than
  "evolution"
• A step change in attitude, in approach, in
  content is required
• "Strategic" is the keyword!