Synergy between European Territorial Cooperation and Cohesion Policy

Strategic territorial cooperation

ETC is particularly influential in thematic areas like energy efficiency, innovation, seeking local solutions for better functioning of the single market and addressing territorial challenges in the fields of environment and risk prevention, transport and communication links, demographic change and maritime issues. ETC could play an important role in the achievement of the EU 2020 goals and in the coordination of EU instruments, as it has helped to improve the coordination of the sector policies and has promoted joint governance.

This paper discusses the ways in which ETC can contribute to strategic EU goals by taking advantage of these governance and policy coordination qualities. In this regard, INTERACT proposes 4 main improvements:

1. Increasing thematic concentration;
2. Strengthening performance through conditionalities and incentives;
3. Improving evaluation;
4. Supporting use of new financial instruments.

EU instruments but local tailoring

Furthermore, the paper argues that Cohesion policy’s aim for Territorial cohesion needs to build on territorial specificities. Thus, Cohesion policy should be flexible in the goals pursued, even though these should link back into the EU’s strategic agenda. Making a bid for EU funds is currently not an easy task for a local government, and the rules causing the administrative burden should be harmonised and accompanied by an improved interpretation.

Contact

Questions about this discussion paper can be directed to Ieva Kalnina:
E-mail: ieva.kalnina@interact-eu.net
Telephone: 0045 8728 8051

Document Type

Policy Document

Publication date

December 2010