On May 25, 2021 EMA and ADF in partnership with SFPA and with the financial support of SlovakAid organized Session 3 of WG IV. The main topic was topic: “Intermediary bodies and their role in implementation of regional development programs”.
Ermal Ilirjani, the head of the Programming Unit at Albanian Development Fund (ADF) expressed his pleasure to be part of this activity and emphasized the management role of ADF in the implementation of the Regional Development and Cohesion programme. He clarified that managing authorities assign tasks to intermediary bodies and he also assessed as positive the support and engagement of the government and foreign embassies. Ilirjani mentioned that Albania is still in the drafting stage and will operate with two coordinating institutions on national and regional level. These structures will also play the role of monitoring entities.
Florian Xhafa, provided a general overview of Albania’s current situation mentioning as essential no only the adoption but even the adaption of the national legislation with the EU Acquis for the Chapter 22. Xhafa analysed the legal framework that enables managing authorities to assign tasks to intermediary bodies. He added that step by step instructions are needed to help ADF and the country to carry out these reforms considering that is a demanding process.
Vladimir Benč, Slovak expert held a practical presentation on Slovakia’s case. He provided more details about the way managing authorities can delegate full or paNCEI, Session 4, GP IV Topic: “Intermediary bodies and their role in implementation of regional development programs”tial tasks to intermediary bodies. EU legislation also allows private structures to undertake these functions. During his presentation Benč explained in depth the integrated regional operational programme 2014-2020 in Slovakia. In the second part, he introduced some failed projects, emphasizing that here was a lack of commitment and preparation by Slovak authorities. Another problem mentioned by the expert had to do with the political influence in the finances and decision making process. Long term projects such as Roma population housing and not achieving the objective of a comprehensive health care, due to the fact that in focus was only one element of this program: the modernization of healthcare infrastructure l. The expert introduced a pilot project concerning municipalities and health care for the elderly. Lastly, Benč gave some recommendations and stated that Albania should learn from Slovakia’s mistakes.
Discussions: Participants discussed on issues like the inter-institutional coordination on central and local elvel, how to limit political influence in decision-making and provision of specific recommendations for our country. This session was moderated by Nirvana Deliu, Policy Researcher – EMA.
You can find the video of this session here : NCEI, Session 4, GP IV
