01/22/2019

The day began with a presentation on the general framework of Measure 1 in Rural Development Programs in Spain by Mª José Hernández, Deputy Assistant Director of the Subdirectorate General for Programming and Coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food . Measure 1 is programmed in all Rural Development Programs, while the programming of its submeasures varies widely in current Rural Development Programs. Regarding the programmed amount of Measure 1, we find different trends, although overall there has been a 13.5% decrease in the programmed amount over the 2014-2020 period.

During the day, a thematic section was held to address specific aspects of management through simplified cost options. Belén Sánchez, from the European Social Fund Management Unit, shared her experience and lessons learned from her management of the ESF. She outlined the regulatory framework underpinning its implementation, and also described the different simplified cost options and methodologies used for their calculation . The management unit for Measure 1 of the Region of Murcia presented its experience in implementing simplified costs: the work they have developed, such as reports and calculations, as well as the problems they have faced.
Following these presentations, the session was divided into working groups in which attendees analyzed and shared with the entire audience the main issues related to the management of the measure and possible proposals for addressing them. As a result of this exchange, the main problems in managing the measure were identified, and proposals for improvement were made.

The management units placed special emphasis on the need to strengthen communication among them to improve aid implementation. The meeting concluded by appealing to the importance of holding these types of meetings more frequently, thereby strengthening communication among managers.