Successful policies are not implemented in isolation but in partnerships.
The partnership principle is particularly fundamental in Cohesion Policy, which aims to reduce economic disparities within the EU. In Cohesion Policy, it is not just about the domestic partnerships, but about engaging with others elsewhere in the EU.
While there are different platforms in the EU for national and regional authorities to engage with each other on different aspects of Cohesion Policy, EPRC’s IQ-Net network is one of the longest running knowledge exchange and research networks aiming to deliver effective and efficient implementation of Structural Funds. The network, which brings together Managing Authorities, Intermediate Bodies and national coordination authorities across Europe to discuss and find solutions to key implementation and policy issues, organises tailored activities for this purpose.
The bi-annual Conferences are an excellent example of IQ-Net’s collaborative approach. They provide an important exchange on topical themes chosen by the network partners. Each Conference is tailored to address topical issues, from enhancing administrative capacity to promoting sustainable urban development and green transitions. Participants engage in dynamic plenary sessions, interactive group discussions, and hands-on study visits to regional projects, creating a rich learning experience and fostering solutions to potential challenges.
At each Conference, participants benefit from in-depth research in the form of IQ-Net briefing papers and presentations, which provide insights into the latest developments, and highlight practical solutions and innovative practices across Europe.
This solutions-oriented approach transforms discussions into actionable strategies and equips stakeholders with practical, transferable answers to the opportunities and challenges of Cohesion Policy programmes.
As key platforms for developing effective strategies and building administrative capacity, these Conferences empower partners to navigate the intricacies of programme management. Through regular interaction, IQ-Net remains at the forefront of driving positive change in regional development across the EU.
In the latest IQ-Net Briefing Paper on ‘the calm after the storm: focussing on implementation and the future of Cohesion Policy’, the findings underline the evolving landscape of Cohesion Policy as programme authorities balance the transition from the 2014-20 period to the current programme period.
“After a turbulent period of programme management and implementation, there is now more room
to focus on the key tasks required for the delivery of successful programmes and results.”
While the introduction of flexibilities such as the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Regulation has provided some breathing space by extending deadlines, challenges remain, particularly due to the delayed start of the 2021-27 programme period. As is common at this stage of programme implementation, authorities deal with different types of tasks and priorities, including programme amendments to react to changes in the socioeconomic context and ensure that intended targets are achieved in time, and improvements to their monitoring and evaluation systems.
Looking ahead, the upcoming mid-term review and discussions surrounding the post-2027 Cohesion Policy are high on the agenda. Recent discussions have very much focussed on the report of the High-Level expert Group. Amongst the IQ-Net members, programme authorities are generally in support of the High-Level Group’s recommendations—such as embracing place-based approaches and bolstering administrative capacity—but express concerns regarding the practical implementation of these broad proposals. Specific regional needs, such as addressing the impact of the war in Ukraine especially in those countries and regions located in or near the border areas highlight the need for greater flexibility.
In this evolving context, IQ-Net Conferences remain an important meeting place for programme managers and policymakers to share insights, confront emerging challenges and jointly shape the future of Cohesion Policy.
Another recent IQ-Net briefing paper on ‘Accelerating climate action in Cohesion Policy programmes: how are green conditionalities being applied’ provides an important overview of the progress and hurdles in implementing the 2021-27 Cohesion Policy regulatory framework concerning green conditionalities.
“Putting in place mechanisms to ensure compliance with the 2021-27 requirements around climate and environment while at the
same time not creating excessive burden for implementing bodies and beneficiaries is a difficult balancing act.”
Authorities have striven to integrate key requirements such as the ‘Do No Significant Harm’ (DNSH) principle, climate proofing and climate tagging; however, their practical application continues to pose challenges, not least due to unclear guidance. This uncertainty has resulted in diverging interpretations and potential audit risks.
Capacity constraints and administrative burdens further complicate effective implementation, especially for smaller programmes. Authorities emphasise the need for clearer guidance, streamlined regulations and flexibility in the application of green requirements to avoid overburdening the beneficiaries. Capacity building through cross-sectoral cooperation and international exchange is seen essential for the successful implementation of these green conditionalities.
Overall, while the shift towards a greener transition is welcomed, programme authorities stress the importance of improving regulatory clarity, proportionality and practical support to ensure the effective implementation of environmental objectives within Cohesion Policy.
Eléna Jabri, Research Associate, European Policies Research Centre, Delft, NL