Closure of 2014-2020 Structural & Cohesion Funds Programmes and Financial Management Changes for 2021-2027

The final version of the Closure Guidelines for 2014-2020 programmes was published in October 2021. Closure of programmes should be much simpler than it was in the past, thanks to the annual accounting process. But are you clear about what steps need to be taken to achieve a smooth closure process?

The last day of eligible expenditure is the end of 2023. But will you be spending up to that point? All Closure documents must be submitted to the Commission by February 2025 at the latest. How best to organise the final phases of the programmes?

This course will address these questions and look at how the new Regulations change Financial Management, Financial Control and Audit rules for 2021-2027. We will examine the programme and financial templates for the new programmes. There will be a special focus on extending the use of simplified cost options and the evolving audit procedures.

What you will learn?

Practical issues to be discussed will include:

• key issues for managing programme closure
• the auditor’s approach to programme closure
• dealing with irregularities, corrections, withdrawals
• dealing with REACT-EU in current programmes and the effect on closure
• programme finance and financial flexibility for 2021-2027
• key issues for the eligibility of expenditure
• the extended use of simplified cost options and how to choose between them
• changes to the audit of accounts, systems and operations

How we work

We aim to make the course as interactive as possible. Participants will have ample opportunity to exchange views informally on the course topics. Workshops and exercises will be used to help participants get to grips with practical tools and methodologies.

This course is intended for:

• managers and practitioners from managing authorities (Managing, Certifying and Audit authorities) whether they are national, regional or local authorities; and from other public bodies of EU Member States (and associated countries) working with Structural Funds
• economic and social partners / stakeholders working with the Structural and Investment Funds, such as employers’ associations, consultants, NGOs, education bodies etc.

Online Course
For this online course we make use of Zoom

Programme Organiser
Ms Nancy Vermeulen
Tel: +31 43 32 96 212
n.vermeulen@eipa.eu

Discounts
EIPA member fee
EIPA offers a discount to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s supporting countries, and civil servants working for an EU institution, body or agency

Who are the supporting countries?
Civil servants coming from the following EIPA supporting countries are entitled to get the reduced fee: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden.

For all other participants, the regular fee applies

Early bird discount
The early bird discount is not cumulative with other discounts or promo codes, except for the EIPA member fee.

Who are the supporting countries?
Civil servants coming from the following EIPA supporting countries are entitled to get the reduced fee: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden.

For all other participants, the regular fee applies.

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed online registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation.

Cancellation policy
For administrative reasons you will be charged € 50 for cancellations received within 7 days before the activity begins. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants.

EIPA reserves the right to cancel the activity up to 1 week before the starting date. In that case, registration fees received will be fully reimbursed.