EU rural development policy 2007-2013

1. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher EU rural development policy 2007-2013

2. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community Strategic Guidelines 2007-2013 Rural Development

3. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Regulation and Guidelines RDR => purpose and scope of assistance from the RD fund CSG => EU level priorities within the RDR framework, in particular focus on sustainability (G�teborg) and growth and jobs (Lisbon)

4. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The CSG will help to: identify and agree the areas where the use of EU support for rural development will create the most value added at EU level; make the link with the main EU priorities (Lisbon, G�teborg) and translate them into RD policy; ensure consistency with other EU policies, in particular in the field of cohesion and environment; accompany the implementation of the new market oriented Common Agricultural Policy and the necessary restructuring it will entail in the old and the new Member States.

5. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community priorities Axis 1: improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sectors Guideline 1: the resources devoted to axis 1 should contribute to a strong and dynamic European agrifood sector by focusing on the priorities of knowledge transfer, modernisation and innovation in the food chain and priority sectors for investment in physical and human capital.

6. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community priorities Axis 2: improving the environment and countryside Guideline 2: the resources devoted to axis 2 should contribute to three EU level priority areas: biodiversity and preservation of high nature value farming and forestry systems, water, and climate change.

7. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community priorities Axis 3: improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification Guideline 3: the resources devoted to axis 3 should contribute to the overarching priority of the creation of employment opportunities in the fields of diversification and quality of life.

8. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community priorities Axis 4 (Leader): building local capacity for employment and diversification Guideline 4: the resources devoted to axis 4 should contribute to the priorities of axis 1 and 2 and in particular of axis 3, but also play an important role in the priority of improving governance and mobilising the endogenous development potential of rural areas.

9. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community priorities Horizontal: ensuring consistency in programming Guideline 5: elements to take into account Maximise synergies in and between axes Develop integrated approaches where appropriate Other EU level strategies (organic farming, renewable energy sources, climate change, forestry strategy and action plan, thematic environmental strategies)

10. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Community priorities Horizontal: complementarity between Community instruments Guideline 6: create synergies between structural, employment and rural development policies ensure complementarity and coherence between actions to be financed by the ERDF, Cohesion Fund, ESF, EFF and EAFRD on a given territory and in a given field of activity. the main guiding principles as regards the demarcation line and the coordination mechanisms between actions supported by the different Funds should be defined at the level of national strategic reference framework/national strategy plan.

11. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher

12. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Overall strategy issues Balance between the axes based on an assessment of the economic, social and environmental situation and of needs and gaps Weight of the different EU and national priorities Match funding capacity Implementation capacity (national, regional, local)

13. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Strategic issues axis 1 Desired development farm structures (which farms to target) Strengths/weaknesses agrifood sector Balance between restructuring and innovation

14. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Strategic issues axis 2 Balance between AE, Natura and LFA AE: role organic farming (link axis 1), importance certain farming types and landscapes for rural diversification (link axis 3) Water management Afforestation needs (abandoned farm land?)

15. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Strategic issues axis 3 and 4 Balance between rural infrastructure/ renovation/basic services and diversification/local economic development Choice of delivery system for axis 3 (top down or bottom up) Balance between local capacity building and implementing local development strategies

16. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher

17. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher

18. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Axis 1: Improving Competitiveness (1) 1.Measures aimed at promoting knowledge and improving human potential: vocational training, setting up of young farmers, early retirement, provision of advisory services; setting up farm management, farm relief and advisory services.

19. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Axis 1: Improving Competitiveness (2) 2. Measures aimed at restructuring physical potential and promoting innovation: farm modernisation, improving the economic value of forests, processing and marketing of agricultural and forestry products, improving and developing of infrastructure, natural disasters and prevention actions.

20. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Axis 1: Improving Competitiveness (3) Measures aimed at improving the quality of agricultural production and products: adaptation to new EU standards, participation in food quality schemes, promotion for quality products.

21. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Axis 1: Improving Competitiveness (4) Transitional measures for the new Member States: support for semi-subsistence farms undergoing restructuring, setting up of producer groups, provision of advisory services (only for Bulgaria and Romania for the period of 3 years)

22. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Vocational training (art. 21) Aid for courses or training, which do not form part of normal programmes or systems of agricultural and forestry education at secondary or higher levels. Support for young farmers (art. 22) Setting up aid, in the form of - a single premium of up to 40,000 � - an interest rate subsidy (capitalised value up to 40,000 �) - a combination of both, total value up to 55,000 � - conditions: less than 40 years; setting up for the first time; adequate occupational skills; business plan 5 % bonus on aid intensity for investment Grace period of up to 3 years to comply with existing Community standards (which must be identified in the business plan)

23. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Early retirement (art. 23) Annual payment for stopping all commercial agricultural activities: - for farmers up to 18,000 � per year (max.180,000 � in total) - for workers up to 4,000 � per year (max. 40,000 � in total) - conditions for farmers: more than 55 years old or not more than 10 years below retirement age; stop all commercial farming activity; have practised farming for 10 years. Support adjusted if state pension received Maximum duration of the support 15 years Different conditions apply for farm workers

24. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Farm modernisation (art. 26) Maximum grant of:  - 50% of the eligible costs for all farmers - 60% of the eligible costs for farmers in LFA - conditions: improve the overall performance of the agricultural holding; respect Community standards relevant to the investment; Grace period for investments needed to implement newly introduced Community standards: up to 3 years from the date on which the standard becomes compulsory on the farm holding.

25. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Investment aids for processing and marketing (adding value) (art. 28) Support for processing, marketing or development of �Annex I� (agricultural) and/or forestry products (NB fishery products excluded) Maximum grant 50% of the eligible costs for SME Aid intensity halved for bigger enterprises (i.e. max 25%): - with less than 750 employees or - with a turnover of less than 200 Mio � No aid for enterprises larger than this - conditions: improve the overall performance of the enterprise; respect the Community standards relevant to the investment; In the case of forestry, support only for micro-enterprises

26. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Cooperation for the development of new products, processes and technologies in the agriculture and food sector and in the forestry sector (art. 29) Support to promote cooperation between primary producers, the processing industry and/or third parties Support contributes to costs incurred for the co-operation. Objective is to promote cooperation within the supply chain, to take advantage of market opportunities through innovative approaches to product and process development

27. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Meeting Standards (art. 31) Annual Support given as a flat-rate, temporary and degressive aid - Up to 10,000 � per holding per year for a maximum duration of 5 years - Partial Support for costs incurred and income foregone Standards concerned: environmental protection, public health, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety - standards must be newly introduced in national legislation The new standards must impose new obligations or restrictions to farming practice which have a significant impact on typical farm operating costs and concern a significant number of farmers.

28. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Quality Schemes (art. 32) Annual incentive payment - maximum 3,000 � per holding - depending on the fixed costs of participation in the schemes - for a maximum duration of 5 years. Conditions: - Only for agricultural products for human consumption - The schemes have to be Community food quality schemes or recognised by the Member States (have to comply precise criteria) Exclusions: - If the Schemes only intend to provide a higher level of control of respect of obligatory standards under Community or national law they will not be eligible for support;

29. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Supporting producer groups for information and promotion activities for products under food quality schemes (art. 33) Information and promotion activities have to be for products covered by the support of the quality schemes described on the previous slide (Community and National Food Quality Schemes for products of human consumption) The aid covers 70% of the eligible cost of the action

30. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Support for semi-subsistence farms undergoing restructuring (art. 34) Definition of Semi Subsistence: Agricultural holdings which produce primarily for their own consumption and also market a proportion of their output Flat rate income aid up to 1,500 � per holding and for a maximum of 5 years No restrictions on use of funds. This is an income support payment, not an investment aid. Conditions: The submission of a business plan is necessary. After 3 years an assessment of the progress in respect of the business plan will be made. If problem the payments will be suspended.

31. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Establishment of Producer groups (art. 35) Annual flat rate aid for setting up and administrative operation of producer groups. Objectives: - Improved market presence, - joint marketing, - better information. Conditions: Support for the first 5 years after recognition Group must be officially recognised by competent authority of the Member State during programming period. Flat rate aid is a percentage of the group's annual marketed production during the first five years of recognition:

32. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Axis 2: Environment/land management Rural Development 2007-13

33. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher

34. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher National Strategy its agricultural and forestry Natura 2000 areas and other HNV areas (High Nature Value) Water quantity and quality and its plans under the WFD in relation to agriculture and forestry (Water Framework Directive) The contribution its agriculture and forestry can make to climate change mitigation and the Kyoto protocol targets it has set Any specific national priorities

35. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Rural Development Programme In its RDP the MS will set out: How many resources it plans to spend on axis 2 (minimum 25% of the Community contribution to the programme) Which measures it wishes to implement and how they fit to the strategy An indicative breakdown of funding per measure

36. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The toolbox for axis 2

37. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Less Favoured Areas Current LFA measure (designation and payment system) stays in place till 2010 Good farming practice as eligibility condition is replaced by cross-compliance (sanctions approach) on the whole holding

38. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Natura 2000 and WFD Annual payments per hectare of UAA based on costs incurred and income foregone related to practices or constraints imposed by the Natura or WFD management plan Detailed rules for WFD payments still to be fixed in implementing regulation (including maximum amounts) Beneficiaries are farmers CC whole holding

39. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Agri-environment (AE) The only compulsory measure (at programme level) Farmers and other land managers 5 to 7 year contracts (on a voluntary basis) Annual payments for commitments going beyond the baseline covering additional costs, income foregone and transaction costs Baseline = CC + minimum requirements fertiliser and pesticide + national legislation Extended CC whole holding

40. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Animal Welfare Farmers 5 to 7 year contracts Annual payments for commitments going beyond the baseline covering additional costs, income foregone and transaction costs Baseline = CC (annex III) + national legislation CC whole holding

41. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Non productive investments Support for AE linked investments and/or for on farm investments enhancing the public amenity value of Natura 2000 and other HNV areas

42. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher 1st afforestation of agricultural land Establishment, maintenance (5 y), income loss (15 y) If publicly owned only establishment costs Idem fast growing species No X-mas trees CC Apt for afforestation for environmental reasons

43. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Agroforestry Support to farmers for establishing combined extensive agriculture and forestry systems (trees in combination with agriculture on the same land) No X-mas trees and fast growing species

44. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher 1st afforestation of non-agricultural land Only establishment costs In the case of abandoned farm land also maintenance costs No X-mas trees Apt for afforestation for environmental reasons

45. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Natura 2000 (forestry) Annual payments per hectare of forest based on costs incurred and income foregone resulting from Natura 2000 restrictions Private owners and their associations CC

46. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Forest-environment Private owners and municipalities 5 to 7 year contracts (on a voluntary basis) Annual payments for commitments going beyond the relevant mandatory requirements covering additional costs and income foregone CC

47. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Restoring forestry potential/prevention For forests damaged by natural disasters and fire Preventive actions against fires only for medium and high fire risk forests

48. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Non-productive investments Linked to forest environment undertakings or other environmental objectives Which enhance the public amenity value of the forest

49. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Axis 3: Diversification of the rural economy and Quality of Life in rural areas Axis 4: The Leader approach Rural Development 2007-13

50. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The strategic guidelines for axis 3 The EU priorities: The creation of employment opportunities through the diversification of the rural economy (all sectors) with the improvement of the quality of life (attractive places to live and work) Key actions: supporting traditional and new activities, the participation of women in the labour market, micro-enterprises, training, diffusion of ICT, renewable resources, tourism, local infrastructure

51. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The strategic guidelines for axis 4 The EU priorities: Use the Leader approach for introducing innovation in axis 1, 2 and 3 better governance at the local level endogenous development (local resources for growth and jobs) Key actions: local capacity building, public-private partnerships, networking and cooperation, mutually supportive actions between agriculture, the environment and the wider rural economy and population, sustainability

52. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The national strategy plans Challenges for sustainable rural areas: The employment situation in different economic sectors, relevance of farmers with other gainful activities, availability of job opportunities. Assessment of the development potential. Capabilities (level of education, skills) of the rural population in relation to actual and potential labour demand. Entrepreneurship and risk taking. Assessment of training, animation and information needs. Local capacity (private and public) for developing a sustainable strategy using local strengths and opportunities. Assessment of local governance needs

53. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Rural Development Programme The Member State has to indicate: The resources it plans to spend on axis 3 (minimum of 10%) and on axis 4 (phasing in for the new Member States) of the Community contribution Which measures it wishes to implement and how they fit with the strategy (EU + national priorities) An indicative breakdown of funding per measure

54. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The toolbox for axis 3

55. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The toolbox for axis 4 (Leader) 7 distinctive features + support for LAGs

56. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Implementing the diversification of the rural economy: Diversification into non-agricultural activities The beneficiary is a farm-household member Micro-enterprises, entrepreneurship Less than 10 staff, turnover < 2 million � Addressed to the wider rural population Tourism activities Small scale infrastructure, recreation infrastructure, development and marketing services Addressed to the wider rural population

57. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Implementing the improvement of the quality of life Basic services for the economy and rural population Setting up of basic services, including cultural and leisure activities in one or more villages, small scale infrastructure Conservation and upgrading of the natural and cultural rural heritage Drawing up management plans for Natura 2000 and high natural value places, environmental awareness and maintenance, restoration of natural heritage (landscape), cultural studies and investments for conservation and upgrading of heritage

58. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Implementing the improvement of the quality of life (continued) Training, skills acquisition and implementation Studies of the area, information about local strategies, training animators for preparation and implementation of strategies, promotional events, implementation of local development public-private partnerships other than Leader The rural population at large is beneficiary for the diversification and quality of life axis

59. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Demarcation (distinguishing between investments made with EAFDR and the Structural Funds) The Member State indicates in its programme what operations are supported by each fund In general small scale infrastructure, small-capacity accommodation, ad hoc training courses linked to projects, may be supported by the EAFRD, while larger investments are better placed with the Structural Funds.

60. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Implementing the Leader approach Leader is a method rather than a list of measures, It may be applied to any of the three other axes and measures and/or to a combination of them Its 7 distinctive features should be implemented as a set, they complement each other Local action groups must be well balanced between public and private partners (50/50) Leader is particularly suited for innovation since measures are not pre-defined and networking facilitates knowledge transfer Experience shows that it is a successful approach, but that it takes time to implement well Cooperation and networking (at national and European level) are useful for exchanging experience, realising collective projects, acquiring capabilities

61. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Conclusions The diversification of rural economies and the improvement of the quality of rural life, more so when realised through Leader, are key factors for: providing a more positive context for farmers facilitating the economic and social sustainability of rural areas reducing the abandonment of rural areas through job creation and innovation in all sectors creating an attractive environment for society at large

62. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Financial Management of Rural Development Programmes2007-2013

63. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher THE SALZBURG CONCLUSIONS A single Fund and a single financial management system for rural development, Adapted to multi-annual programming, Adapted to the good practices from the first pillar.

64. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) Replaces EAGGF Guidance & Guarantee and RDFI-EUR10. An Agricultural Fund (Art. 37 of the Treaty) and not a Structural Fund (Art. 159). Financial rules according to the same special provisions for SF (Part II of FR). In particular multiannual legal commitment but financial commitment split in annual installments.

65. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Basic principles Differentiated commitments and payments Rule n+2. Paying agencies accredited at Member State level. Clearance of accounts Annual clearance of accounts decisions. Conformity clearance of accounts decisions in case of irregularities or failure in control by the Member States.

66. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Authorities (I) Managing authority (Art. 75 of RD Regulation) mainly responsible for: Ensuring project selection according to programme criteria, Lead monitoring committee and evaluations, Collect and submit monitoring information.

67. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Authorities (II) Paying agency (Art. 6 of Reg. 1290/2005 on financing the CAP) mainly responsible for: Paying and declaring the EU contribution to the Commission, Control (internal and on the spot), Annual accounts, pursue irregularities and recover sums unduly paid, and sign statement of assurance.

68. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The financial plan Indicates at measure level the amount of private, public, national and EU contributions for the whole period 2007-13. Co-financing rate always based on public expenditure and fixed at axis level. Only binding figures are: The total amount by year 2007-13, The total by axis for the 7 year period, The co-financing rate: max 80% for RO/BG throughout programme.

69. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Financial operations Automatic annual commitments. Payment on account (2 X 3.5%). Reimbursement payments (4 per year). N+2 decommitments (if any).

70. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Declarations of expenditure (I) The paying agency declares 4 times per year the expenditure incurred between: 1 January and 31 March by 30 April, 1 April and 30 June by 31 July, 1 July and 15 October by 15 November, and 16 October and 31 December by 31 January. The Commission reimburses expenditure within 45 days from reception of the claim.

71. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Declaration of expenditure (II) Submitted by the paying agency, Referring to public expenditure incurred by the implementing bodies, for which the paying agency has actually paid the Community contribution, Detail by RD measure following a standard form, The Commission shall develop a local IT financial system interfaced with the MS for submission of declarations and calculation of payments.

72. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The annual accounts By 10 February of the year n+1 the paying agency submits the annual accounts of year n: Referring to the EAGGF year 16 Oct -15 Oct. Including: A summary of expenditure by RD measure. Extract of the debtor ledger. The statements and reports of the certifying body and the statement of assurance of the Head of the paying agency.

73. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Annual clearance of accounts Annual clearance decision to be adopted by 30 April N+1. Based on the annual accounts of the year ��n�� submitted by the paying agency. Amounts recoverable or payable shall be deducted from or added to subsequent payments.

74. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Conformity clearance of accounts The Commission can decide, after a contradictory procedure with the MS, to exclude from EU co-financing expenditure not effected according to EU rules. Expenditure cannot be excluded for which: The final obligation for the beneficiary, or The final payment to the beneficiary occurs more than 24 months before the Commission notifies its findings to the MS.

75. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Treatment of irregularities MS shall correct negligence or irregularities by cancelling the EU co-financing concerned. Amounts recovered can be re-used for the programme. MS inform the Commission annually of the amounts not yet recovered. Amounts not recovered after 4 years of first evidence (or 8 years for cases in Court) will be borne 50/50 by the Commission and the MS.

76. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Closure of RDP The ��classic�� SF closure not applicable. There is no final report or final payments claim. The programme is closed on the basis of the last annual report and the clearance of accounts of the last implementation year.

77. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher The Implementation Structure EU Rural Development

78. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Implementation structure ?The structures needed to deliver, control and monitor EU rural development support effectively on the ground. Main components: Partnership Management, control and information Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Technical assistance and networks

79. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Partnership (1) EU RD support to be implemented in partnership (close consultation)  Who are the partners?- Commission- Member State- competent regional, local authorities & other public  authorities;- economic and social partners;- any other appropriate body representing civil society, NGO�s including environmental organisations, and bodies promoting equal opportunities

80. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Partnership (2) MS designates the most representative partners and create conditions for a broad and effective involvement of all partners. Partnership shall be involved in:- - the preparation and monitoring of the National Strategy Plan; - the preparation, implementation, monitoring & evaluation of the RD programmes

81. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Management, control and information Management and control: 3 bodies - Managing Authority- Accredited Paying Agency- Certifying Body Information and publicity

82. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Financial management and control Based on principles: Similar to the Structural Funds: Differentiated appropriations, automatic decommitment (n+2) Managing Authority and Monitoring Committee Using Guarantee bodies and procedures: A Paying agency and a certifying body Annual financial clearance of accounts and conformity clearance decisions

83. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Management and Control Authorities (1) Guiding principle: clear allocation and separation of functions Managing authority responsible for: - ensuring project selection is in accordance with criteria set out in programme - leading monitoring committee and evaluations - collecting and submitting monitoring information - preparation of annual progress report

84. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Management and Control Authorities (2) Paying agency responsible for:- paying and declaring EU contribution - controls (internal and on the spot) - annual accounts, pursue and recover sums in case of irregularities and statement of assurance Certifying body responsible for certifying the completeness and accuracy of the paying agency�s accounts

85. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Delegation of tasks The Managing Authority can delegate tasks to other bodies (e.g. project selection), but retains full responsibility for their correct management and implementation.

86. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Information and Publicity General: Member States required to provide information/publicise their National Strategy Plans, RD programmes and the EU financial contribution. Programme level: The Managing Authority- informs potential beneficiaries of possibilities to get support under the RD programme; the eligibility rules which apply; and the EU contribution;- informs general public about the EU role in the programme & its results.

87. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting Programme Monitoring Committee Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) Reporting requirements

88. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Monitoring Committee Required for each RD programme Chaired by the MS or Managing Authority Membership ? Partnership-basedMust include:- competent regional, local and other public authorities; economic & social partners; - other appropriate bodies representing civil society (NGO�s including environmental organisations, equal opportunity groups etc) Commission may be represented, but in an advisory role

89. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Role of Monitoring Committee To ensure effective implementation of the programme: Consulted on project selection criteria Periodical reviews of progress towards programme targets Considers and approves annual implementation reports before sent to COM May propose to the Managing Authority changes/reviews of the programme Considers and approves proposals to amend the programme which require COM Decision

90. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) Key changes: More strategic monitoring: The new RD regulation foresees strategic monitoring of the Community and national strategies, link to EU priorities Aggregation of outputs, results and impacts at the EU level and help assess progress in achieving Community priorities. Need to better define baseline and indicators at the start of the programming period to asses starting situation and form basis for monitoring progress in delivering strategy. All requirements brought together in a single common monitoring and evaluation framework (CMEF) to be agreed with MS

91. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher CMEF: Indicators Limited number of common indicators agreed at EU level (measure/Axis level) Indicators related to baseline situation; financial execution; outputs; results and impacts of programmes Limited number of additional programme specific indicators

92. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher CMEF: Evaluation Focus on �on-going evaluation� Key components: ex-ante; ongoing (annual progress report); mid-term and ex-post evaluations Use of independent evaluators Role of ex-ante: - to help in identifying needs and preparing/verifying  SWOT analysis - to verify draft programme (goals, results expected, quantified targets, quality of implementation structures, allocation of budgetary resources�.) ? an essential component of the draft programme to be submitted to COM for approval

93. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Detailed requirements will be specified in the implementing rules, supplemented by a guidance document to be agreed with MS This document will contain clear guidance to MS on definition of indicators, target setting, organisation of evaluations, reporting etc Electronic system (CAP IDIM 2) will be used as a basis for management and reporting on indicators to the COM Increased scope to use technical assistance funds to support monitoring and evaluation activities CMEF: Assistance to MS

94. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Reporting Requirements Based on common monitoring and evaluation framework: Annual progress reports at programme level National summary reports on progress in implementation of the national strategy: 2010 � 2012 � 2014 Commission summary report to the Council and the EP on the progress in implementation of the EU strategy and priorities: 2011 � 2013 � 2015 Ongoing evaluation: ex-ante (programme) ongoing (annual progress report) mid-term (2010) ex-post (2014)

95. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Overview

96. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Technical Assistance and Networks To support the implementation of MS strategies and programmes: Technical assistance Networks

97. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Technical Assistance At programme level, for preparation, management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control activities (up to 4% of programme funding)

98. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Networks A national rural network supporting and bringing together the organisations and administrations active in rural development (financed from the technical assistance at programme level) Roles include: identifying and sharing good practice; organising exchanges of experience and know-how; preparation of training programmes for Leader groups and assisting them with co-operation activities A European Network for Rural Development to interface with the national networks and administrations (financed from the technical assistance at Commission initiative, 0.25% of RD funding) Roles include: collecting, analysing and diffusing information on RD measures, on good practice, on developments in rural areas, organising seminars, facilitating expert networks & exchange of expertise, supporting national networks

99. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Making implementation work: Some issues to consider (1) It�s not just more Sapard! Don�t under estimate the scale of change (no. of measures, level of financial support, potential no. of beneficiaries etc) Role of central versus regional bodies in implementation systems Need for clearly defined roles and close co-ordination between the various implementing bodies Importance of a wide and active partnership at all stages of the programming process

100. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher Making implementation work: Some issues to consider (2) Importance of clear information to potential beneficiaries and user-friendly and transparent systems (application forms; project examination and selection procedures etc) Need for appropriate (national) support structures to be in place to ensure applicants can access support: advisory services, credit providers�. Need to have monitoring and evaluation systems in place from outset Importance of early launching of procedures to set up national RD Network to get maximum benefit from networking (EU & national)

101. Ecobiag. Europe developpement policy. Istvan Feher