Representatives from Managing Authorities of Rural Development Programmes, National Rural Networks, European organisations active in the field of rural development, the European Evaluation Network for Rural Development, agricultural research and agricultural chambers attended the workshop.
Participants were informed about the provisions of the proposed regulatory framework for the 2014-2020 programming period, regarding the role and the structure of the ENRD (European Network for Rural Development), the EENRD (European Evaluation Network for Rural Development) and the proposed EIP (European Innovation Partnership). Participants were also informed about what’s foreseen regarding networking functions and structures at national level.
Questions were raised on:
- links and coordination with other CSF funds ;
- the mandate of the foreseen European rural network for next programme period ;
- the role and functions of the proposed bodies which will shape the work of ENRD, EENRD and EIP: a possible European rural network assembly and a steering group;
- functions and structures of future operational groups within the context of the proposed EIP ;
- applicability of the proposed models and the possible structuring of the three types of networks on national level ;
- required resources to organise/restructure national networks according to future changes and also to implement the new provisions of the RDPs ;
- whether the territorial development dimension will be a central aspect of the future RDPs ;
- how to create sound and effective links between the future EIP and existing structures dedicated to innovation at national level.
Representatives of DG AGRI provided clarifications and input relating to the provisions of the regulation and the proposed mandate and structuring of the NRNs and the functions of future operational groups within EIP. Some provisions and guidance are still to be defined.
The discussion was supported by presentations on what worked well and less well, from the ENRD Contact Point and the Help Desk of EENRD. Prior to focusing on the future, participants shared national experience and lessons learned regarding governance and management, monitoring and evaluation, effective outreach to stakeholders and capacity needs.
The following needs were highlighted:
- more clarity on the structure and mandate of the future EU networks and operational groups ;
- a common set of activities to enable networking and facilitate coordination ;
- a more inclusive representation of different stakeholders in the steering and governance of networking activities at EU and Member States level ;
- more information and guidance to address issues such as the structure of NRNs, capacity building and training ;
- more exchange of information and dialogue between stakeholders, especially through the development of products helping to overcome language barriers ; and
- more learning among NRNs from peers on topics of similar interest.
Participants agreed that the transition to the next programming period should ensure that relationships, experience and continuity are not lost, both at EU and national level.
Summary of the discussions [PDF
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