This paper reviews the simplification measures aimed at reducing administrative costs and burdens for Managing Authorities (MAs) and beneficiaries in implementing European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The study further provides an overview of the administrative burdens and challenges that MAs and beneficiaries face when implementing the ESIF. Although various initiatives have been undertaken, administrative challenges persist due to complex regulations and overlapping programmes. Recommendations include consolidating funds, expanding Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) use, enhancing audit principles, and adopting flexible funding models. Effective simplification requires a stable legislative framework and political commitment, with long-term changes including a shift to result-based financing.
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Table of Contents
- LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 7
- LIST OF BOXES 9
- List of figures 9
- List of tables 9
- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 10
- 1. INTRODUCTION 14
- 1.1. Background of the study 14
- 1.2. Objectives of the study and methodology 15
- 2. repeated refrain: simplification initiatives 17
- 2.1. Simplification efforts 2007-2013 17
- 2.2. Simplification efforts 2014-2020 19
- 2.2.1. Key simplification rules introduced 19
- 2.2.2. Challenges and the Omnibus Regulation 20
- 2.2.3. Impact of simplification measures 22
- 2.2.4. COVID-19 and emergency simplifications 24
- 2.3. Simplification efforts 2021-2027 25
- KEY FINDINGS 17
- 3. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS and challenges 28
- 3.1. Why do the simplifications not work? 28
- 3.1.1. Workloads deriving from delays in the programming 2021-2027 28
- 3.1.2. Constant lack of stable legal background 29
- 3.1.3. Increasing complexity of CP 31
- 3.1.4. Audits and controls 32
- 3.1.5. EU regulations that fall outside the realm of CP 34
- 3.2. Case studies 38
- 3.2.1 Case study: Green Hydrogen Mobility for Alpine Region Transportation (H2MA) project 38
- Overview of the project 38
- Assessment of administrative burdens 39
- 3.2.2. Case study: Zero Energy Buildings for Zero Energy Neighbourhoods (ZEB4ZEN) PROJECT 40
- Overview of the project 40
- Assessment of administrative burdens 41
- 3.2.3. Case study: Implementation of E-Services for Spatial Information 42
- Assessment of administrative burdens 42
- KEY FINDINGS 28
- 4. CONSOLIDATION OF EU FUNDS 44
- 4.1. Complex, expanding, and incoherent network of ESIF 44
- 4.1.1. Evolution of ESIF: 2014-2020 and beyond 44
- 4.1.2. Funds established to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 46
- 4.1.3. Social Climate Fund 46
- 4.1.4. Complementing funds and programmes supporting CP objectives 47
- 4.2. Make it simpler: rationale for consolidating EU funds 48
- 4.3. Possibilities of EU funds consolidation 48
- KEY FINDINGS 44
- 5. Recommendations 51
- 5.1. Prior conditions to proposed simplifications 51
- 5.2. Short-term recommendation for simplification 52
- 5.3. Long-term recommendations 55
- KEY FINDINGS 51
- REFERENCES 56
- ANNEX 60
