Simplification measures in the cohesion policy proposals for 2021-2027 and impact of the CoR political work

The study looks into the concrete simplification measures as identified by the Commission in its handbook, the recommendations put forward by the HLG on simplification and the recommendations from the three relevant CoR opinions on the matter, mentioned above: simplification of ESIF from the perspective of local and regional authorities, the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union, and final recommendations of the high level group on simplification post-2020. Given its reduced scope and the extent of the proposed measures, the study focuses on main elements that are most likely to influence the programming, implementation and monitoring of the funds under shared management, looking, in particular, into the repercussions these different aspects might have on local and regional authorities and beneficiaries and /or programme authorities of the funds.