Raffaele Cattaneo presented the study on the state of play of the EGTCs and their evolution in 2015, and a thematic study on the potential of the groupings to implement cross-border investments. Both studies were announced during the annual meeting of the EGTC Platform and are available online.

The EGTC Monitoring Report 2015 provides the most exhaustive overview of the EGTCs. According to this annual study, 10 new EGTCs were established last year including the EGTC Tisza, between Hungary and Ukraine. The EGTCs implemented around 140 projects and hired 180 direct employees, 50 more than in 2014. The study contains a very practical table setting out the EGTCs by field of activity and includes contact details and detailed description of activities. "This study would not have been possible without the cooperation of all the EGTCs", said Mr Cattaneo.  

The study The EGTCs investing – Which role in the EFSI? Which procurement? explores the potential of the EGTCs in implementing cross-border investments. "The Plan Juncker opens new perspectives for financing projects that we have to explore", explained Mr Cattaneo, "and the Directive of public procurement explicitly says that the EGTCs can do procurement at cross-border level, so it is good to know how to do it".

In addition to these studies, the COTER Commission of the CoR has published a note on state aid on cross-border cooperation which intends to cast light on the right use of EU funding in INTERREG actions and tries to solve many doubts of the operators on the ground.

The studies have been prepared by the company Metis GmbH.

More information:

www.cor.europa.eu/studies

studies@cor.europa.eu