Following a number of recent, key European developments with significant implications for Welsh local authorities in terms of the future of European funding, a WLGA delegation has this week travelled to Brussels to represent Welsh local authorities in meetings with European Commission and Parliament officials.
The key issues for discussion during the visit include:
• The publication of the Draft Cohesion Policy and CAP/ Rural Development proposals for the 2014-2020 funding period (Oct 2011);
• Exploring the potential use of new innovative delivery and implementation models for the future funding period;
• Options for utilising Financial Engineering Instruments such as JESSICA to invest in wider activities in Wales in the future, including investing in large scale energy projects;
• The Eurostat regional GDP figures for 2009 (March 2012);
• The draft Common Strategic Framework (March 2012);
• The expected publication of the Code of Good Conduct and Local Development Guidleines
Cllr Chris Holley (Swansea), WLGA European and Regeneration Spokesperson said:
“This is a crucial time for Welsh local authorities in terms of European funding. The debate is intensifying in Brussels on the future of Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy post-2013, two Policies vital to Welsh local authorities in terms of their funding programmes. This month has also seen the publication of Eurostat Regional GDP statistics, which will be used to determine elegibility for future funding for local authorities and the Common Strategic Framework, which which outlines how the major EU funds which benefit Welsh local authorities will will work together in the future.”
“ The WLGA has been heavily involved in the debate on future EU funding to date and this week is an opportune time for a local government delegation to visit Brussels to continue to ensure the voice of local authorities is heard by the key players and decision makers.”
