Overview

2016 is a crucial year for the programming bodies in dealing with the overlapping programming periods: In the current programming period the authorities have to meet the strengthened financial control and reporting requirements and prepare the new annual reports. At the same time, the closure of the 2007-2013 period has to be completed by March 2017. A proper implementation is crucial in order to ensure well-functioning and efficient management systems and achieve a successful management and absorption of ESI Funds.

The Annual Conference on ESI Funds provides an excellent platform for latest developments, best practice, exchange and networking among ESI Funds experts on EU, national and regional level. With the current programming period a number of changes and new instruments have been introduced. The Conference will in depth discuss new management tools and instruments and provide exchange of experiences between Member States on the crucial topics related to the management and financial control of ESI Funds.

The following topics will be discussed in depth in practical workshops:

• New Reporting Requirements: Management Declaration, Designation, Annual Account & Annual Summary
• State of Closure of 2007-2013 Programming Period
• New Requirements on Management Verifications – Implications for the Practice
• New Requirements for Internal & External Audit – Implications for the Practice
• Prevention and Detection of Fraud and Corruption
• Public Procurement & ESI Funds
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Financial Instruments
   

Who should participate?

• Public authorities involved in the management of ERDF, ESF, CF, EAFRD and EMFF Programmes:

• • Managing Authorities
  • Certifying Authorities
  • Audit Authorities
  • Intermediate Bodies
• Authorities involved in the management and implementation of EU funded projects:
  • EU Funds and European Affairs Departments in national and regional ministries, agencies and governments
  • Cities and local authorities implementing EU funded projects
  • National and regional development agencies
• Other beneficiaries of EU funded projects, i.e.: Private and public companies, NGOs and Associations, research institutes
• Bodies working on European Territorial Cooperation and INTERREG Programmes
• Public and private banks and other financial intermediaries
• International, national and local associations and networks involved in the Cohesion policy

• Consultants and lawyers involved in projects containing European funding
  EAFRD and EMFF

What participants said about previous EStIF Conferences:

"Excellent organisation, good mixture of different topics, interesting presentations"

"Good opportunity to learn from experience from other countries"

"Superb speakers and organization as always!"

"Great event, unforgettable!"

"Good quality event, very useful for Managing Authorities"

“Perfect organisation and location! Excellent speakers and experts. A refreshing, new and unique experience for exchanging theories and practices and to meet other enthusiastic colleagues.” 

"This was a well organized event, covering relevant and interesting topic. The speakers were well informed and covered what was needed in each topic"

“Excellent breath of topics, and highly interactive.”

"Interesting choice of topics for panel discussions, good quality of presentations"

“ESI made EASY!”

THE opportunity to exchange smooth and sound procedures for access to funding and implementation of projects.