This course examines the practical challenges of implementing the 2014-2020 ESIF regulations and operational programmes. We look at the most significant rules under three headings: 1) programme finance and management 2) financial management and 3) financial control and audit. We refer extensively to Member State cases and good practice.

- What are the implications of the new result-orientation emphasis for programme and project implementation?
- How are Member States dealing with the Performance Framework?
- Is the new accounting year working smoothly?
- What is the link between annual pre-financing and automatic de-commitment (n+3)?
- How is implementation being simplified through using the simplified cost options?

There will be a keynote intervention from a Polish Managing Authorities, assessing the key issues, lessons and challenges for programme implementation in Poland. This will include reference to financial control, management verifications, respecting horizontal priorities, and the targeting of operations.

The seminar also examines the new monitoring and evaluation requirements and considers how best to set targets and measure impact. A range of implementation issues will be discussed, including achieving synergies with other funding sources.