EPRC Structural Funds research presented in Brussels

Over the past month, EPRC research has been presented at a series of seminars in Brussels. Drawing on recent work of the IQ-Net network on programme management, the papers contributed to current debates about the structure and content of national Cohesion policy strategies and operational programmes for the 2007-2013 period, as well as management arrangements. <p> <img src="http://www.eprc.strath.ac.uk/news/brussels1.jpg" border="0" align="left On 28 September, John Bachtler provided an overview of the draft National Strategic Reference Frameworks at a meeting of the EU Spatial and Urban Development Committee at the Borschette Centre. The paper highlighted the different strategic approaches of Member States and the varied interpretation and inconsistent integration of the 'territorial dimension' in national strategies. <p> <img src="http://www.eprc.strath.ac.uk/news/brussels2.jpg" border="0" align="left Building capacity for effective Structural Funds management was the subject of a paper by John Bachtler and Irene McMaster presented at an Open Days seminar on 11 October. During the presentation and subsequent debate, emphasis was placed on investment in human resources, access to reliable information, effective communication and the use of learning and support systems. <p> <img src="http://www.eprc.strath.ac.uk/news/brussels3.jpg" border="0" align="left A wide-ranging review of the contribution of EU Structural Funds to cohesion was presented by John Bachtler at the fifth meeting of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy (Committee of the Regions) on 19 October. The presentation discussed the 'paradigm shift' in Cohesion policy over the past two decades, the evolution of Structural Funds management, the impact and added value of the Funds, and the strategic planning for the 2007-2013 period.