Guidelines for closure of Structural Funds 2000-06

1
Guidelines for closure of Structural Funds
2000-06
2
Modification of programming

• Possible before the final date of eligibility for
  programmes and programme complements
• BUT no modification of the financing plan annexed
  to Commission decision after 31/12/2006

3
State Aids

• New Commission regional aid guidelines for
  2007-13
• Applicable rules those in force on date of
  legally binding commitment to pay aid to
  beneficiary
• Extending aid schemes to 2007-08 notifying the
  Commission
• Changing programming documents

4
Final date for eligibility of expenditure

• 31/12/2008
• 30/4/2009 for expenditure by bodies that grant
  aid

5
Submission of closure documents

• Deadline 15 months after the final date of
  eligibility of expenditure (proposal in new
  Structural Funds general regulation)
• Consequence of non-submission automatic
  decommitment (proposal.)
• Content of 3 closure documents
• Possibility of "closure by Fund"

6
Unfinished projects at closure

• If no co-financing in 2007-2013 project must be
  completed within 2 years of closure
• If co-financing in 2007-2013 measures to be
  taken to avoid double financing

7
Projects suspended due to legal or
administrative proceedings

• Necessary to decide if such projects are to be
  maintained or replaced
• Decision to be taken before deadline for
  submission of closure documents

8
Financial 'flexibility' at closure

• Possibility to modify financing plan of the
  programme complement until closure (limits)
• In addition, flexibility of up to 2 between
  priorities