Description
The project seeks to develop and implement an effective system of monitoring European Union funding at the province (regional) level in Poland. The system would be operated by local non-governmental organisations and members of local communities. The idea comes from a reform of the funds management system with Marshall Offices being now responsible for managing some 60 per cent of ERDF and ESF, which means the burden of responsibility is shifted to provinces and local monitoring mechanism should be put in place. A national monitoring panel will be set up to work under the guidance and with the support of the Polish National Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations (OFOP) and the partner which will deliver a training program and develop a watchdog manual. Members of the pane will develop expertise which will be multiplied in other regions. 32 regional and one national report will be developed and the outcomes and recommendations will be disseminated among decision-makers. OFOP will co-ordinate local leaders using the experience of the Standing Conference on the Consultations of 2014-2020 Funds.
Summary of project results
"From 2014 until 2020, Polish non-governmental organizations may benefit from the European Social Fund (ESF), mainly through Regional Operational Programs (ROPs). It's a major source of funding for their projects. Despite the fact that RPOs were negotiated by regional authorities which made agreements with the European Commission, it is the government which is accountable for the overall policy related to the EU funding. Following problems with establishing partnership-driven principles governing the European funds in previous years, it was essential to prepare organizations and citizens to monitor the implementing institutions. Long-term program objectives included establishment of a nationwide panel for monitoring European funds, featuring representatives of organizations from 16 regions as well as making a contribution to appointment of non-governmental groups monitoring operations of regional authorities relevant to ROP implementation in at minimum eight provinces. 16 ROPs were monitored for participation of civil society representatives in drafting agendas, appointment of non-governmental Monitoring Committee members, services provided to organizations by Local Information Points as well as access of organizations to ROP funding. Recommendations were submitted to representatives of the Ministry of Development and distributed in the regional report format to 16 Regional Marshalls."
Summary of bilateral results