Overview
Managing Authorities and Intermediate Bodies have to conduct administrative and on-the-spot verifications in order to ensure efficient and reliable first level control procedure. Some of the requirements of both overlapping programming periods can be challenging for the involved authorities. Eligibility of expenditures, compliance with complex State aid and public procurement rules, Simplified Cost Options have to be considered. The obligations, related to the Assurance Package, such as drawing up, certifying and submitting payment applications and annual accounts to the EC, can also raise a number of questions for first level controllers. Furthermore, Managing Authorities, Responsible Authorities, Intermediate Bodies, Delegated Authorities and Certifying Authorities have to be aware of the audit requirements in order to be best prepared for audit visits.
The day-to-day obligation of Audit Authorities is to conduct audit on operations, audit on projects, audit on payment claims. This can cause difficulties, such as choosing the right sampling method, handling of error rates, ex-ante checks of Simplified Cost Options and audit of State aid and public procurement. Audit Authorities also have to meet the requirements and assessment criteria in system audits and audit of accounts.
Irregularities and fraud at any stage of these processes can lead to repayments and financial corrections. To avoid these financial losses, national authorities have to implement stronger financial controls and carry out the respective verifications and audits very carefully.
Programme
The 3-day Interactive Online Course focuses on the following topics:
- Financial management and control system of EU Funds 2014-2020 versus 2021-2027
- ESIF for emergency measures – Status quo
- Main changes for Managing Authorities and Intermediate Bodies in 2021-2027
- Management verifications and on-the-spot verifications
- Practical discussions in small groups in breakout rooms: Verification of Simplified Cost Options, verification of State aid and Public Procurement, verification of eligibility of expenditures, sampling
- Main changes and challenges for Audit Authorities in 2021-2027
- Audit findings in system audits and in audit of operations
- Audit of Simplified Cost Options, Audit findings in State aid and Public Procurement
- Management of and most common errors and irregularities in ESI Funds, including group work in breakout rooms
- Combatting fraud and corruption in ESI Funds
- Preparing for closure 2014-2020
Who should participate?
- Representatives from public authorities dealing with different aspects of financial management and control of ESI Funds, especially from:
- Managing Authorities
- Responsible Authorities
- Intermediate Bodies
- Delegated Authorities
- Certifying Authorities
- Audit Authorities
- ESI Funds experts from regional and local authorities and experts involved in ETC Programmes
- Auditors controlling and auditing ESI Funds programmes and projects
- Experts from EU, national and regional Court of Auditors
- Experts from Institutions involved in implementation of ESI funds
- Consultants and lawyers specialised in ESI Funds
- Beneficiaries of EU funded projects
Methodology
The three-day intensive course offers the possibility to meet with experts from EU institutions, Member States as well as the private sector. The different perspectives of our experienced trainers will support you in applying complex rules to your practical day-to-day work. To achieve the best results, a mix of learning methods will be applied in the course.
Our approach combines the three stages of learning to ensure that the participants obtain the best possible understanding of the applied rules:
1) Identification of the main rules and principles,
2) Appreciation of the complexities and limitation of the principles,
3) Application of the rules and principles.
The participants will be actively involved in the course. The sessions will combine presentations, case studies and discussion on practical problems. You will have ample opportunity to present your own issues and discuss them with the speakers and participants from other Member States.
Just send to us your cases and questions in advance! We will forward them to our speakers, who will include your issues in the programme and answer them during the course. All information concerning such problems and cases will be treated confidentially.
Online Course
During the online course by Lexxion Publisher all speakers present live via video and audio. Participants are actively involved in the online courses. By offering our participants the possibility to use their microphones and cameras during the whole course, we aim to recreate the atmosphere of a face-to-face Lexxion course. We encourage our participants to ask questions in real time and to take part in live discussions with speakers and other participants. Additionally, we offer breakout sessions, as part of this format, where participants work in smaller groups on real-life cases and exercises. During these exercises, participants have the technical possibility to see other group members and talk to them (using microphone and camera). Moreover, we make use of different interactive features of the online platform, such as polls, multiple choice questions and quizzes. This way participants can test their knowledge on the topic, anonymously. There are ample opportunities for the participants to present their own problematic issues, discuss and solve them with the speakers and participants from other Member States.
Course Material – No need to miss anything!
If you are unable to attend the course you may want to order all the presentations shown during the event. The price is € 299,- (excl. of VAT). If interested, please contact Anya Zuschke.
How to Join the Course Online
Zoom is the platform for online participation in this course. In order to join the course online, please check your device compatibility first.
What do I need in order to join the course online?
- Speakers, Microphone; Camera is possible, if you would like to be seen during the course
- A wired connection is strongly recommended.
- If your internet connection doesn´t work, you can join the course by telephone, using a dial-in number. In this case there might be additional telephone costs.
Minimum system requirements are as follows:
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later; Mac OS X 10.12 or later, Linux.
- Browser: The most recently-published versions of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Opera.
- High-speed internet: A consistent, high-speed connection is required. Mobile tethering, hotspots, slow or inconsistent public Wi-Fi networks may create latency when using video conferencing.
How do I join the course online?
- Choose the computer from which you would like to follow the course.
- Please install the zoom, if not done yet. Install here.
- Please test your microphone and camera in advance. For this, follow these instructions.
- Open the Zoom App, click on “Join a Meeeting”, enter your full name, so that we could recognise you, enter the ID and the Passcode, which we sent you, and wait in the waiting room, until our host will let you in.
- Alternatively, it is possible to use Zoom through browser or through skype for business. BUT! Some functions are not available in these versions, therefore we highly recommend using the downloaded App.
- Use your headset and camera.
FAQ for Online Participation
Why do I need to register before the course starts?
Thank you for registering! This not only helps us to communicate with you in regard to technical issues but it
helps you to network with your fellow course participants.
Will the course be recorded?
Please ask the responsible event manager.
Do I need a camera?
It is recommended to have a camera for more comfortable communication with the speakers and other participants.
Do I need a microphone?
Since this is an interactive course, yes.
Do I need to install anything?
Yes, you should install Zoom app here.
Can I ask questions during the course?
Yes, you can ask your questions live by using your microphone. You can speak to all participants at the same time as you may have experienced in Skype.
When can I enter the course I’m attending?
Please enter Zoom 10 minutes before start. Our host will let you in in due time.
May I leave the course and come back later?
Yes, just log in at a later time during the course.
May I access via Phone?
Yes, you can. Participating via phone means you can listen only.
Can’t find invitation?
Please check your spam-folder. You should also ask your colleague from the IT department to ‘whitelist’ us. For more details please ask the corresponding event manager, who will be happy to help you.
What are the detailed System requirements?
All requirements can be found here.
I failed the Audio Output System Test – what can I do?
If you are using headphones or external speakers, try unplugging them. Please unmute your device. Test your speakers here to find out if they work.
I would like to participate but I’m waiting for an approval. Can I order a ticket on the day of the course?
Sure. Please message [email protected].
My email address has changed – can I still participate?
Sure. Please provide us with your updated email adress, you will then receive a new invitation.
How do I contact the host of the course?
[email protected] is happy to help you.
