Managing authorities report acceleration of negotiations on the drafts of operational programs 2014-2020

Technical meetings with the European Commission on the official comments on drafts of operational programs 2014-2020 were going according to plan, it emerged at a meeting of Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the management of EU funds Iliyana Tsanova with the respective deputy ministers and heads of managing authorities.

In early August, seven programs received comments from the European Commission. Most of the comments have already been considered and negotiations on these programs have started.  This week the EC is expected to comment on the measures and approaches included in the Program for Rural Development. Only the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Program, which suffered a delay in the first half of the  year, has not been submitted yet. The program will be submitted by the end of the month.  

The Heads of OP Competitiveness and Innovation, OP Regions in Growth, OP Human Resources and OP Science and Education for Smart Growth have already had meetings with the relevant directorates of the European Commisssion. Meetings on OP Transport and OP Environment are scheduled for September 26 and  September 30, respectively. No date has yet been set for OP Good Governance.

Most significant progress has been achieved on OP Human Resources. The program has been agreed with the EC and its final version will be considered by the Council of Ministers tomorrow.  

Progress in negotiations has been achieved on OP Regions in Growth. The two sides discussed a number of options to keep the 67 cities proposed for funding in the program, including the establishment of some cities as leading growth centers.  In terms of investment in the healthcare sector, absolute priority is given to emergency medical care. The remaining investment is tied to specific reforms in the sector.

Progress has also been achieved on the new Science and Education for Smart Growth Operational Program whose updated version was sent to Brussels. Discussions within the thematic working group were successful.  

A key motivation in all programs is the sustainability of investments in the economic, social and educational fields. The updated versions of operational programs are expected to be submitted to the European Commission by October 15. Then the EC can once again make comments and invite the managing authorities for a meeting.