STAFF DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION ORGANISES WORKSHOP ON THE EUROPEAN UNION'S STRUCTURAL FUNDS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THE EU ACCESSION PROCESS

Every time the European Union admits new members it adjusts its Structural Funds (funds intended to attain particular developmental objectives and address specific structural weaknesses) and Cohesion Policy. However, the prospective enlargement of the EU with the inclusion of up to 12 new members has added a sense of urgency. As a result, reform of the rules under which these funds are disbursed, appears inevitable.

At the same time there is an increased interest in how the Structural Funds operate and how a prospective Member State of the Union can derive the maximum benefit from the funds it receives. To maximise such benefits, a prospective Member State has to ensure effective implementation and efficient use of Community and national resources. This will inevitably require setting up new structures and management systems.

Existing member states have also adapted their management and administrative structures so that they can absorb Structural Funds more effectively. The allocation of Structural Funds is substantial, but as far as the disbursement of the funds is concerned, it is necessary to develop an appropriate system for selecting adequate programmes and projects, and seek close co-ordination with the Commission and key players in the country concerned (e.g. local authorities and various ministries).

Against this background, the Staff Development Organisation in the Prime Minister's Office, in collaboration with the Centre for European Studies in Strasbourg, France, is organising a two-day workshop, at Le Meridien Phoenicia, Floriana, on the EU's Structural Funds and Social Cohesion policy on 9^th and 10^th November 2000. The workshop will bring together officials who are currently involved in the EU accession process. The purpose is to identify what may be termed best practice in the management of Structural Funds.

In particular the seminar aims to:

• examine the objectives and methods of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund;

• review experiences of France in implementing the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund;

• consider the newly introduced reforms of the Structural Funds and assess their implications for their further implementation; and

• identify how Malta may strengthen its administrative capacity to implement Structural Funds and highlight the issues that are likely to prove significant in the ongoing negotiations for its accession to the EU.

The workshop, which is financed by the French Authorities through the French Embassy in Malta, is being facilitated by Mr Thomas B'�ck, Administrator, European Commission, DG Regional Policy; Mr Philippe Deloire from Team Europe and Ms Lydie Savin from the French Ministry of Agriculture.