Further indicative guidelines for the

candidate countries

2004-2006

Eric von Breska - April 2003

Objective of the guidelinesObjective of the guidelines

To help national and regional authorities to prepare their programming strategy for each of the Objectives 1, 2 and 3 of the Structural Funds and their links with the Cohesion Fund so as to make the best possible use of Community assistance.

Which document(s) to use?Which document(s) to use?

The communication of the Commission of 1 September 1999 remains the reference document.

The additional guidelines take account of the particular situation of the acceding countries.

This document does not replace but complements the document of 1999.

The context:The context:

A shorter programming period: 2004-2006 instead of 2000-2006

Limited administrative capacity in terms of programming, implementation and monitoring

Most of the regions of the acceding countries are among the 25% of regions with the lowest GDP per capita in an enlarged EU

Consequences Consequences of this situation:of this situation:

Do not envisage to treat and solve all problems within 3 years, but make choices

Establish priorities which allow to concentrate the Funds on the most urgent needs

Support the factors which lead to a real convergence of regions

Base your strategy on productivity and lay the foundations for strong job creation.

3 essential conditions 3 essential conditions to succeed:to succeed:

anticipation: prepare the programming documents before accession

Simplify implementation Limit the number of interventions, priorities

and measures by making clear choices which put the emphasis on the most urgent needs.

Do not forget:Do not forget:

Define a clear strategy Ensure the coherence between the different

interventions and the envisaged priorities Take account of the real absorption capacity

The guidelinesThe guidelines Joint institutional needs Sectorial needs

– infrastructure and equipment– transport– environment– energy– fisheries– agriculture et rural development– justice et home affairs– employment and human resources– research and development– enterprise and innovation policy– information society