IQ-Net programme managers from 14 EU Member States met at the 39th IQ-Net conference in Cardiff, Wales, on 23-25 November 2015 to discuss the issue of simplification of Cohesion policy.
They were joined by Peter Berkowitz from DG Regio and Colin Byrne from DG Employment. The conference was hosted by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) and chaired by John Bachtler of EPRC.
Opened by Damien O'Brien, Executive Director of WEFO, the main focus of the conference was on IQ-Net partners' approaches to simplify the implementation of Structural Funds programmes, covering also ways in which Simplified Cost Options can be used. Discussions were supported by a research paper prepared by Sara Davies of EPRC, as well as by a presentation given by Peter Berkowitz from DG Regio. Discussions also covered the launch of the 2014-20 programmes, supported by a review paper and a presentation by Martin Ferry of EPRC.
The conference also provided an opportunity to discuss a number of approaches by IQ-Net programme managers to simplification, as well as the presentation of Welsh projects co-financed by Structural Funds as part of a visit to the Senedd, the Welsh National Assembly.