By Vivienne Russell | 8 January 2014
The European Commission has adopted a common set of standards to improve the way member states consult with partners over the planning and spending of structural funds.
The code of conduct governs consultation and dialogue between public authorities responsible for spending structural funds and their project partners such as trade unions, employers and non-governmental organisations.
‘We want to ensure that member states work in constructive partnership with representative stakeholders in the planning and implementation of programmes using European Structural and Investment Funds so as to maximise the impact of this money,’ said László Andor, EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion.
The European Code of Conduct on the Partnership Principle, which is a legally binding commission regulation, requires member states to ensure public authorities and their partners share information, experience, results and good practice in the 2014-20 programming period. This will help provide assurance that money is being spent effectively, the commission said.
The funds covered by the code are: the European Regional Development Fund; the European Social Fund; the Cohesion Fund; the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development; and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
