Delegated regulation 2014/240 - European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds - Main contents

Summary of Legislation
Legislative text

1. Summary of Legislation

European Structural and Investment Funds — working in partnerships

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) No 240/2014 — European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

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It introduces the European code of conduct on partnership (ECCP).
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The ECCP is designed to help European Union (EU) countries organise a meaningful partnership with relevant and representative stakeholders for the shared design and implementation of the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIFs) in the 2014-2020 period.

KEY POINTS

The ECCP lays down guidance on partnership in the implementation of ESIFs. The main points of the ECCP include:

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the selection of relevant and representative partners, representing the categories defined in Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 (Common Provisions Regulation for ESIFs);
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transparent selection procedures that take into account the different sets of institutional and legal rules found in EU countries;
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minimum procedural requirements for the timely, meaningful and transparent consultation of relevant stakeholders* in the preparation of partnership agreements* and operational programmes*;
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selected partners being represented within the key programme committees (i.e. preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation);
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partnership should be ensured by strengthening the institutional capacity of relevant social partners and civil society organisations to engage;
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the exchange of experience and mutual learning be facilitated covering all the ESIFs;
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the role of the partners in the implementation of the partnership agreement, and the performance and effectiveness of the partnership be subject to assessment.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 15 March 2014.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

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‘How to strengthen the partnership principle in European Funds?’ on the European Commission's website.

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KEY TERMS

Relevant stakeholders: competent regional, local, urban and other public authorities, economic and social partners (e.g. employers and employee organisations), chambers of commerce, civil society (e.g. environmental partners, non-governmental organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, gender equality and non-discrimination).

Partnership Agreement (PAs): EU countries must draw up and implement strategic plans with investment priorities covering all funds and programmes in the period 2014-2020. PAs are negotiated between the European Commission and the EU country, following their consultation with local and regional representatives, representatives from interest groups, civil society, etc.

Operational programmes (OPs): these present the priorities of the country and/or cover priorities for the country or regions of the area concerned in the 7-year programming period 2014-2020. Workers, employers and civil society bodies can all participate in the programming and management of the OPs.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014 of 7 January 2014 on the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds (OJ L 74, 14.3.2014, pp. 1-7)

2. Legislative text

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014 of 7 January 2014 on the European code of conduct on partnership in the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds

Contents

1.

Summary of Legislation

2.

Legislative text