2007 – 2013 Programmes
For the programming period 2007 – 2013 Wales qualifies for European Structural Fund support under the three following programmes:
• Convergence covering West Wales and the Valleys
• Regional Competitiveness and Employment covering East Wales
• Territorial Cooperation (Ireland-Wales Cross-Border Programme, North West Europe, Atlantic Area and the INTERREG IVC Programmes)
During this period Wales is likely to benefit from around £3.8 billion of investment from these programmes (EU funds of around £1.9 billion to be matched by public and private funding).
The Programmes in Wales are managed by the Welsh European Funding Office, which is part of the Welsh Assembly Government. Operational Programmes and Strategic Frameworks guide the awarding of funding under different parts of the programme with alignment with Welsh Assembly Government priorities and strategies a key criteria in the awarding of funding.
The role of Local Authorities and the WLGA
Local Authorities play a key role in the planning, implementation and delivery of the programmes. From developing and managing specific projects to providing support and advice to applicants through their key role in the Spatial European Teams they are key players in the delivery of the programmes.
The Association provides support and advice to all local authorities on all aspects of the Structural Funds. It provides regular updates and briefings to all local authorities and represents and coordinates local government involvement in various meetings. It also has a key lobbying role in highlighting issues of concern to local authorities regarding the progress and performance of the programmes, which it pursues in various forums such as ministerial meetings, quarterly meetings with WEFO, the Programme Monitoring Committee, the Programme Management Group and through a dialogue with the European Commission.
Related links and publications
For more information contact: Lowri Gwilym