The e-cohesion concept - the introduction of an on-line system for the submission and evaluation of applications for the access to EU structural funds

Abstract

The e-cohesion concept is a new concept introduced within the European Union's policy documents issued in October 2011 for the new financial period of 2013 - 2020 regarding the use of Structural Funds. The concept itself is not yet defined in the proposals for legislative documents and there are not neither any clear measures suggested to the Member States, nor targets for its implementation. The concept is undoubtedly related with the simplification of the management procedures, targeting the submission electronically of all documents requested to the applicants. The main solutions suggested are the digitization of the management authorities, but also the extension of the electronic signature system and the increase of the on-line security for these operations. These developments will engage hopefully a cut of red-tape, the avoidance of duplication and environment friendly procedures. This article intends to contribute to the academic debate related to this new concept and to research how the implementation of the e-cohesion concept might challenge the present systems. A short inventory of some good practices that have already been implemented in several Member States will present an insight on steps already made in this field.