Activities
NUMBERS ONE IN INTERCHANGE – Czech and European Experiences
Czech Regions in Brussels in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions offered to other European regions eligible under the Convergence Objective a platform for discussion on the preparation of regional operational programmes for Cohesion Policy during the period 2007-13. The conference entitled „Numbers One in Interchange – Czech and European Experiences“, was held in the Committee of the Regions premises in Brussels on 19th of June.
Regional politicians, experts on regional development and EU funds met there with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions in order to discuss preparation and delivery of regional operational programmes as well as experience sharing.
The next programming period is a significant challenge for the Czech Republic, primarily since:
“Cohesion Policy 2007-13 and its decentralization are bringing not only new challenges but also new responsibilities. In order to prepare accordingly we consider it essential to have an opportunity to test a variety of different approaches and concepts. In order to complement a national dialogue that is ongoing with the European Commission, we are seeking to redress the balance by facilitating dialogues with other European regions. Therefore we welcomed the initiative of our regional representatives in Brussels to organize the conference “Numbers One in Interchange”. The aim of this conference was to invite more experienced Convergence regions such as Cornwall (UK) and Saxony (D) together with newcomers such as Opolskie (PL) and the Hungarian Regions. Through discussions with them and with other experts we tried to test and analyse our own approaches and concepts for regional operational programmes for 2007-13. In order to ensure that financial allocations are managed and delivered effectively in our regions, we decided to use the opportunity kindly offered by the Committee of the Regions and our regional representations in Brussels to maximise the Cohesion Policy funds to the benefit of our regions.,” declared Mr. Pavel, Member of the Council of the Region of South Bohemia (CZ) and member of the team negotiating the Czech regional operational programmes with the European Commission.
"Our continuing objective is to open up the Committee of the Regions so that it becomes the focal point and meeting place of Europe's regions and cities in Brussels. I very much welcome and support the initiative of the Czech regions showing a real commitment to regional cooperation. I consider this to be the main added value of the regional representations in Brussels and of the Committee of the Regions as an institution," mentioned Gerhard Stahl, the CoR's Secretary General, in a message of support for the event.
More info on: http://www.cor.europa.eu/en/activities/conferences_expo.htm#june
Czech Regions in Brussels in cooperation with the Committee of the Regions offered to other European regions eligible under the Convergence Objective a platform for discussion on the preparation of regional operational programmes for Cohesion Policy during the period 2007-13. The conference entitled „Numbers One in Interchange – Czech and European Experiences“, was held in the Committee of the Regions premises in Brussels on 19th of June.
Regional politicians, experts on regional development and EU funds met there with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions in order to discuss preparation and delivery of regional operational programmes as well as experience sharing.
The next programming period is a significant challenge for the Czech Republic, primarily since:
- The financial allocation for the implementation of the Cohesion Policy in the Czech Republic is four-times higher than in the current period (nearly 27 mld EUR = 778 mld CZK);
- It is likely that after 2013 the Czech Republic will surpass the level of 75% GDP per capita of the EU average and will therefore no longer be eligible for convergence funding;
- Decentralization of Cohesion Policy 2007-13 will mean that regions in the Czech Republic will receive an opportunity to draw down EU funds by means of seven regional operational programmes (while in the current period it is through one joint regional operational programme).
“Cohesion Policy 2007-13 and its decentralization are bringing not only new challenges but also new responsibilities. In order to prepare accordingly we consider it essential to have an opportunity to test a variety of different approaches and concepts. In order to complement a national dialogue that is ongoing with the European Commission, we are seeking to redress the balance by facilitating dialogues with other European regions. Therefore we welcomed the initiative of our regional representatives in Brussels to organize the conference “Numbers One in Interchange”. The aim of this conference was to invite more experienced Convergence regions such as Cornwall (UK) and Saxony (D) together with newcomers such as Opolskie (PL) and the Hungarian Regions. Through discussions with them and with other experts we tried to test and analyse our own approaches and concepts for regional operational programmes for 2007-13. In order to ensure that financial allocations are managed and delivered effectively in our regions, we decided to use the opportunity kindly offered by the Committee of the Regions and our regional representations in Brussels to maximise the Cohesion Policy funds to the benefit of our regions.,” declared Mr. Pavel, Member of the Council of the Region of South Bohemia (CZ) and member of the team negotiating the Czech regional operational programmes with the European Commission.
"Our continuing objective is to open up the Committee of the Regions so that it becomes the focal point and meeting place of Europe's regions and cities in Brussels. I very much welcome and support the initiative of the Czech regions showing a real commitment to regional cooperation. I consider this to be the main added value of the regional representations in Brussels and of the Committee of the Regions as an institution," mentioned Gerhard Stahl, the CoR's Secretary General, in a message of support for the event.
More info on: http://www.cor.europa.eu/en/activities/conferences_expo.htm#june