Interreg IPA South Adriatic took centre stage with an interesting workshop on 10 October 2023, as part of the European Week of Regions. Under the title "Focusing on Concrete Results, Instead of Papers: Empowering Interreg in the Simplification Drive" the event – organised in collaboration with the European Commission - DG Regio - sought to explore the transformative potential of Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) within the Interreg landscape.
Our primary objective was to investigate how SCOs could revolutionise the Interreg framework by substantially reducing administrative burdens. SCOs empower beneficiaries to concentrate on delivering tangible results, enabling programme bodies to focus on verifying concrete outputs instead of drowning in paperwork.
Our panel of speakers included Gilles Kittel from the European Commission - DG Regio, who moderated the debate. Kristina Kuzmanova and Veronica Cotea from DG Regio shared insights into SCOs in ESI Funds. Grzegorz Golda from the Interact Programme provided perspectives on SCOs in Interreg. Aurora Losacco from the South Adriatic Joint Secretariat offered insights into the adoption of SCOs.
During the workshop, several key concepts emerged:
Efficiency through Simplification: The workshop underscored how SCOs can significantly enhance efficiency within Interreg projects. By alleviating administrative burdens, they liberate resources for concentrating on concrete results.
Inclusivity: Addressing criticism of Interreg projects as insular, the discussion highlighted SCOs' potential to attract a broader spectrum of participants, including newcomers. This inclusivity is pivotal for the success and relevance of Interreg programmes.
Involvement of Civil Society: The Small Scale Projects call of the 2021-27 South Adriatic Programme serves as evidence of the effectiveness of these simplified cost structures. The call witnessed the active participation of approximately 500 beneficiaries (Associations, NGOs, Small Municipalities, etc.), showcasing the programme's ability to engage a wide range of contributors and foster diversity.
Practical Examples: Attendees gained a better understanding of SCOs through practical examples. Real-world cases demonstrated how these options contribute to simplification efforts and improve project management.
Future Prospects: With the 2027+ debate on the horizon, the workshop encouraged participants to contemplate how SCOs can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Interreg programmes.
The workshop served as a valuable platform for discussing the transformative potential of Simplified Cost Options within Interreg projects. It highlighted the importance of efficiency, inclusivity, and practical implementation. In a landscape where administrative complexity has long been the norm, the South Adriatic Programme and its commitment to simplification stand as beacons of progress, offering lessons and inspiration to the entire Interreg community.
The presentations of the speakers are available HERE.
To know more about our experience with SCOs, download the Case Study: "Simplifying administrative complexities: Unlocking participation in European cooperation projects."