Establishing best practices in the administration of EU funds at a national level : the case of Malta and Ireland

Abstract

The European Funding sector has always been an area of heated debates due to its constantly changing policies, staggering financial allocations with a clearly defined aim to reduce disparities between the regions of Europe. Research in this area is valid since it is an ongoing and ever evolving process. Therefore, this thesis will discuss; some history regarding Regional Policy and the Structural Funds as well as, a Comparative Study between Malta and Ireland's best Practices in this Sector. The study will evolve from the point of commencement of the ERDF in the 1957 Treaty of Rome, going on to discuss other topics, such as; the Delors Reforms, the Economic and Monetary Union and the Single Programming Document. Followed by a review about the current culture regarding Regional Policy and the tools it uses to fulfil its objectives. The next section comprises a separate study of the administration of Structural Funds in Malta and Ireland respectively. This includes an overview of all funding schemes and Operational Programmes within both states, from their initial funding period up until the 2007-2013 programming period. The final section of this thesis encompasses an analysis of the best practices and policies taken on by Malta and Ireland, and the lessons to be learnt from each. The study focuses mainly on the Administration of the EU funds. This focuses on the EU funds at a National level and the work involved in the coordination and administration of the projects undertaken. The aim is to look at the ways in which Malta and Ireland have dealt with EU funding, and how they have adapted their systems to maximise the possible benefits. This thesis therefore aims to answer the following questions: How did EU Regional Policy evolve throughout the years? How are EU Structural Funds Managed in Malta and Ireland? What are the benefits and pitfalls of funding, and what are the implications, if any, for the parties involved? What could be done in order to achieve greater efficiency to enhance this System? Which are the best practices and what are the lessons to be learnt for future reference? In conclusion, the findings show that the Centralised Administration system assumed by Malta and the intense Regional Approach assumed by Ireland are best practices. The programmes involving Infrastructural commitments and Environmental upgrading along with Training and Education and the PEACE Programmes have been the most tangible and effective policy practices so far.