OPENDAYS 2011 Added value and efficiency through the use of article 37.6(b) and EGTC Cooperation in the mainstream programmes example of Limousin (France) Cooperation in the mainstream programmes example of Limousin (France) inhabitants inhabitants 43 inhab / km² 43 inhab / km² 39% population is rural 39% population is rural

Strategic objectives To reduce the negative impact of borders on economic development and EU territorial integration To improve the efficiency of policies and tools dedicated to competitiveness and cohesion To identify innovative solutions to similar problems for which a regional or national approach is not relevant To valorize Limousins potential and know-how and to reinforce its positive image Specific objectives To disseminate the added value of previous interregional cooperation experiences To stimulate, facilitate and simplify the access to interregional cooperation To develop transnational partnerships able to apply for targeted European programmes (FP7, CIP, Youth…) To promote interregional cooperation for the benefit of local stakeholders

4 million euros (app. 3% of the total ERDF budget for ) Different kind of project : Networks = exchange and dissemination of informations between partners interested in a project => new knowledge and innovative methods Pilot projects = exchange and transfer of good practices, concentrating on a specific thematic of cooperation => new types of actions Regional frame operation = capitalisation of good practices within a strategic and operational framework => methodology and tools for transfer Intensity of cooperation _ + Axis 5 = Facilitating partnerships of international and interregional cooperation

Organization of the Limousin Axis 5 in a nutshell Regional Council = Intermediate structure in charge of the management of the Axis 5 Rules fixed in a Implementation Document (types of beneficiaries, nature of eligible expenses, selection criterias, maximum ERDF cofunding rate, etc.) No calls for proposals Mainly unilateral cooperation The Axis 5 controlled by the DG Regio in 2010

Feedback from Limousin Added ValueDifficulties -An integrated approach -A greater flexibility in the implementation and management -The complementarity with Objective 2 and Objective 3, and sectoral programs (FP7, CIP,...) -The possibility to finance infrastructure - A greater proximity to the stakeholders and beneficiaries -The lack of reciprocity -A delay in programming -Because its new, a need to justify the efficient use of the fundings

The INTERACT pilot project What benefits? A constructive exchange of experiences about the use of article 37.6(b) A useful introspection on our own practices A better knowledge of the Regions using article 37.6(b) which helps to identify new potential partners A chance to promote the cooperation within the mainstream !

Recommendations For a future 37.6 (b) article For a good use of the 37.6(b) -To keep a specific article in the EU regulation -To allow a flexible approach -To better communicate about the article -To preserve the possibility to finance infrastructure - To increase ERDF cofunding rate -To be supported by policy-makers -To have a unique and well identified management office, experienced in managing structural funds and expert in project engineering - To allow projects with different intensity of cooperation

Thank you for your attention! Contacts: Sébastien Proeschel Délégation à la Coopération tel: