Context
Interreg is one of the strongest instruments in EU Cohesion Policy, delivering added value to citizens across borders. In the 2021–2027 period, 86 Interreg programmes managing nearly EUR 10 billion are being implemented by regional and national authorities in different Member States, operating under diverse administrative traditions while applying a common EU regulatory framework. Programmes are legally required to manage implementation through electronic systems and to digitalise all exchanges with beneficiaries.
Historically, programmes relied on individual national or programme-specific IT solutions. This led to duplication of effort, inconsistent practices, and high administrative burden, particularly for authorities and beneficiaries working in multiple programmes. Smaller programmes were often unable to invest in robust systems, creating uneven administrative capacity and complex procedures for those seeking to access EU funds.
In response, the City of Vienna’s Interact Office developed the Joint Electronic Monitoring System (Jems) as a governance reform rather than a standalone IT tool. It harmonises and simplifies how beneficiaries apply for, implement, and report on projects, and how funds are managed by Interreg programmes. By re-engineering core administrative processes and embedding shared standards, Jems delivers data-driven productivity, supports evidence-informed decision-making, and strengthens innovative public administration across Europe, fully aligned with EPSA Category I.
Objectives
The objective of Jems is to provide Interreg programmes with a shared electronic system that operationalises EU rules in a consistent, reliable, and user-friendly way, while strengthening administrative capacity across Europe. From the outset, the goal was to ensure equal access regardless of programme size or financial capacity, and to simplify beneficiaries’ interaction with EU funds.
To achieve this, Jems was designed as a common solution available to all programmes free of charge. It supports the complete programme and project lifecycle, enabling authorities to organise calls, receive and assess applications, select and contract projects, and manage implementation through structured monitoring, reporting, verification of expenditure, payments, and accounting. All interactions with applicants and beneficiaries are handled electronically within one system, creating a predictable and coherent administrative environment across Interreg programmes. Standardised workflows, configurable within a common framework, and automated checks improve data quality, traceability, and auditability. This strengthens legal certainty and reduces the risk of errors and irregularities for both authorities and beneficiaries.
By generating structured and comparable programme data, Jems enables evidence-informed management, strategic steering, and transparent reporting to monitoring committees and EU institutions, supporting more effective governance of European Territorial Cooperation.
Implementation
Jems was implemented by Interact Office Vienna, part of the City of Vienna’s Department for European Affairs, with a dedicated team of five full-time staff. External software development was carried out with a budget of approximately EUR 6.5 million.
The project followed an agile, phased approach aligned with programme timelines. Development started in 2020 and continued with regular releases until the end of 2024, when an independent audit confirmed full regulatory compliance. Maintenance and support are ensured for the entire 2021–2027 funding period, with Jems designed as a sustainable and future-proof solution adaptable to future periods.
A stakeholder-centred governance model embedded consultation throughout implementation, and a core group of seven Interreg programmes supported project steering. The wider user group was involved in requirements definition and provided feedback through sprint reviews, thematic workshops, and helpdesk interactions. User testing and surveys ensured usability and satisfaction for different groups, including beneficiaries.
Jems is now used by 45 Interreg programmes in 19 Member States. The joint approach saved EUR 15 million in development costs and improved user experience, with 80% of beneficiaries confirming that Jems is easy to use. Jems’ innovative character was also recognised through the Austrian Public Sector Award 2025.