Conference objectives

The aim of the Conference was to take stock of how different countries and regions are preparing the next generation of Structural Funds programmes with respect to their strategic objectives and priorities, as well as future management and delivery arrangements.

At a key point in the programming calendar, the Conference provided a timely opportunity for policymakers from across the EU to share information on their finalised National Strategic Reference Frameworks and, more importantly, the planning of the Operational Programmes for 2007-2013.

Important questions included the way in which the Lisbon Strategy, the Gothenburg Agenda and urban issues will be addressed in the new programmes, the relationships between Structural Funds and Rural Development programmes, and the role of territorial cohesion.

Conference agenda

Tuesday, 27 June 
11.45 &
12.15		 Departure of coaches from Jury’s Inn to Hampden Park Football Stadium
  Lunch Reception
12.00 Conference Registration & buffet lunch
13.30

Opening of the Conference

Johann Lamont MSP, Deputy Minister for Communities, Scottish Executive

14.00

Session 1: Strategic priorities for 2007-2013

Introduction to the Conference: Strategic planning for 2007-2013
Professor John Bachtler, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde

Strategic priorities for ERDF and first reflections on the NSRFs
Nicola De-Michelis,  Conception & Analysis Unit, DG REGIO

Strategic priorities for ESF
Andy Chapman, ESF Coordination Unit, DG EMPL
 
The governance of territorial strategies: going beyond strategy documents
Dr Wolf Huber, Federal Chancellery (Austrian Presidency)

Discussion
15.15 Coffee
15.45

Session 2: Reconciling competitiveness and cohesion

Chair: Andžs Ūbelis, Ministry of Finance, Latvia

The NSRF as a tool for achieving national and European strategic development goals – the Polish case
Dr Piotr Żuber, Ministry of Regional Development, Poland

Challenges of preparing the NSRF in Greece
Nikos Kleniatis, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Greece

The Czech Republic - transition to a fully-fledged competitiveness
Miroslav Danek, Ministry for Regional Development, Czech Republic

Reconciling competitiveness and cohesion: The Italian experience
Dr.ssa Rossella Rusca, Ministry for Economic Development, Italy

Discussion:

  • Discussant - Dr Sara Davies, European Policies Research Centre
17.30 Close of session
17.45 Departure of coaches from Hampden Park Stadium to Menzies Hotel and Jury’s Inn
  Conference Dinner – Winter Gardens, Peoples’ Palace, Glasgow
19.45 Departure of coaches from Menzies Hotel and Jury’s Inn to People’s Palace
20.00

A drinks reception and dinner will be hosted by Glasgow City Council

22.00 Departure of coaches from the People’s Palace to Menzies Hotel and Jury’s Inn
Wednesday, 28 June 
08.30 Departure of coaches from Menzies Hotel and Jury’s Inn to Hampden Stadium
09.15

Session 3: Maximising regional potential

Chair: Laurie Russell, Strathclyde European Partnership, United Kingdom

Ideas for the Finnish NSRF: Utilising R&D and City Networks
Pasi Rantahalvari, Ministry of Interior, Finland

The strategic approach to programming in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Dr Claudia Schulte, Ministry of Economics of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany

The role of the regions in strategic planning for 2007-2013
Petra Lelkes, Hungarian Office for Territorial and Regional Development

Responding to the Lisbon Strategy: the French NSRF
Marion Lefeu, DIACT, Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Planning, France

Discussion:

  • Discussant  - Garry White, Department of Communities and Local Government, United Kingdom
11.00 Coffee
11.30

Session 4: Growth, jobs and cohesion – ambitions for EU Cohesion policy

Keynote speech

  • Graham Meadows, Director-General, DG REGIO

Roundtable discussion
Chair: Professor John Bachtler, European Policies Research Centre

  • Jack Engwegen, DG REGIO, European Commission
  • Dr Herbert Jakoby, State Chancellery of North-Rhine Westphalia
  • José Luis Kaiser Moreiras, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Spain
  • John Neve, Department of Trade and Industry, United Kingdom
  • Philip Raines, Scottish Executive Enterprise, Transport & Lifelong Learning Dept.
  • William Roe, Highlands & Islands Enterprise
13.00 Closing presentation
13.10 Close of conference
  Buffet lunch
13.15 Departure of coach for Glasgow Airport
14.00 Departure of coach for Glasgow Airport and City Centre
14.00 Tour of the Museum of Football, Hamden Football Stadium (optional)