20th annual report on the implementation of the structural funds (2008). Annex parts 1-3.

Abstract

EN 10 EN Part 1: General analysis of activities 1.INTRODUCTIONAs required by Article 45(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, this report sets out to give an overview of the implementation of the Structural Funds (2000-2006) in 2008. 2008 was the ninth year in which Structural Funds programmes and projects for the 2000-2006 programming period were implemented. Altogether 226 Objective 1 and Objective 2, 47 Objective 3, 12 FIFG (outside Objective 1), 81 INTERREG, 71 URBAN, 27 EQUAL, 73 LEADER+ and 181 Innovative Action programmes were managed in 2008. Even though no further commitments could be made in 2008, sums were disbursed in respect of 2000-2006 Structural Funds assistance. Implementation of the 2008 budget was very good. In terms of payment appropriations, 99.95% of ERDF, 98% of ESF, 97.2% of EAGGF and 97.8% of FIFG resources were used (compared to 99.9% ERDF, 99.9% ESF, 100% EAGGF and 97.5% FIFG in 2007). Member States and regions with programmes of high execution rates were able to start preparing for closure. The general framework for the closure of 2000-2006 Structural Funds assistance was set out in Commission Decision C(2006)3424 in 2006. In addition to implementation of 2000-2006 Structural Funds programmes and projects and preparation for their closure, the Commission was also heavily involved in planning and programming of 434 programmes (317 ERDF, 117 ESF)1 of the 2007-2013 period in 2008. Efforts were continued to improve the quality of programmes and projects co-financed by the Structural Funds, an objective which also covers reliable financial management of programmes. Better financial management, control and evaluation also made for good governance of co-funded programmes and projects.