Navegation

1 Introduction
2 EU-funding Programs and Projects
3 Overview
4 Governance and Project Organisation
5 Initiating Phase – Activities and Artefacts
6 Planning Phase – Activities and Artefacts
7 Executing Phase – Activities and Artefacts
8 Closing Phase – Activities and Artefacts
Post-closing obligations
9 Monitoring and Control – Activities and Artefacts
Appendixes

2.1.3 Shared Management

Shared management is a form of implementing EU funds where the responsibility for management and implementation is shared between the European Commission and national or regional authorities of the member states. In shared management, the Commission and the national authorities work together to manage the funds, each playing a specific role.

Under shared management:

The European Commission sets the strategic framework, establishes the legal and financial regulations, and defines the priorities for the funding program. It provides overall guidance, monitors the implementation, and ensures compliance with EU rules and objectives. The Commission is responsible for approving the national or regional programmes proposed by the member states and disburses the funds to the implementing authorities.
National or Regional Authorities of the member states are responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the funds. They prepare and submit program proposals to the Commission, outlining how to use the allocated funds to achieve the programme's objectives. The implementing authorities select projects, distribute funds, monitor progress, and report on the outcomes. They also ensure compliance with EU rules and regulations in project management.

Shared management differs from indirect management regarding the level of involvement and control exercised by the European Commission. In indirect management, the Commission delegates the management and implementation of the funds to external entities, such as agencies or international organisations. These entities have greater autonomy in project selection, disbursement of funds, and monitoring. The Commission maintains oversight but relies on the implementing entities to carry out the operational tasks.

In shared management, however, the Commission and the national or regional authorities collaborate, sharing responsibilities and decision-making. The Commission maintains a higher level of involvement and control over the implementation process, providing guidance, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance. The member states' authorities play a more direct role in project selection and management but operate within the framework and guidelines established by the Commission.

Shared management is a collaborative approach that combines EU-level expertise and oversight with national or regional knowledge and implementation capacity, ensuring effective and efficient utilisation of EU funds while respecting each member state’s specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few examples:

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF supports economic and social cohesion in the EU by investing in regional development projects. It focuses on innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development and is managed jointly by the European Commission and national or regional authorities.
European Social Fund (ESF). The ESF aims to promote employment, enhance skills, and support social inclusion across the EU. It supports education, training, employment, and social inclusion initiatives, with management responsibilities shared between the European Commission and national or regional authorities.
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The fund provides funding for Programmes that aim to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the fishing and aquaculture sectors, such as investment in new technologies and training Programmes.
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The EAFRD supports rural development projects, including agricultural modernisation, environmental protection, and rural business development. The fund is managed jointly by the European Commission and national or regional authorities responsible

2.1.2 Indirect Management

2.2 Project Cycle Management: linking EU-funding Programmes and Projects