The Monitoring Committee Meeting of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, during which the Programme’s technical and financial performance was assessed, reviewed the progress achieved in the implementation process, while the DARE-EU Project also shared its experiences with participants.
The implementation of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme for the 2021–2027 period, for which the Directorate for EU Affairs serves as the National Authority, was reviewed at the Monitoring Committee Meeting held in Chisinau, Moldova. In addition to representatives of the participating countries, the meeting was attended by representatives of the European Commission, TESIM, which provides technical support for the implementation of the Programme, the Managing Authority, the Joint Secretariat and the Audit Authority. The current status of the Programme and expectations regarding the upcoming period were discussed during the meeting.
The main agenda item of the meeting was the assessment of the Programme’s progress from both technical and financial perspectives. Within the framework of the report presented by the Managing Authority, the implementation performance of the current project portfolio was examined, and it was noted that activities were progressing in line with the planned objectives. Evaluations also indicated that the Programme’s fund absorption performance was at a satisfactory level.
Representatives of the participating countries also shared their views and experiences regarding the implementation process. Challenges faced by beneficiaries, lessons learned from project implementation and suggestions for enhancing the Programme’s effectiveness were among the key topics discussed. As a result of the deliberations, participants exchanged views on priority issues and areas for improvement to be considered in future programming periods.
The meeting also featured a presentation on the DARE-EU Project, in which the Municipality of Edirne is one of the project partners. The presentation highlighted project experiences, achievements and lessons learned throughout the implementation process.
Programming Committee Meeting for the 2028–2034 Period Also Held in Chisinau
Preparatory work for the 2028–2034 programming period of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme has commenced. Following the Monitoring Committee Meeting, a Programming Committee Meeting was also held in Chisinau.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the participating countries, as well as representatives of the European Commission, TESIM, the Managing Authority, the Joint Secretariat and the Audit Authority.
The meeting focused on preparations for the 2028–2034 programming period. A representative of the European Commission delivered a comprehensive presentation on the budget structure for the new period, recent developments in European Union cross-border cooperation policies, and the innovations and changes envisaged in comparison with the previous programming period. The presentation also addressed the future direction of Interreg programmes in line with the evolving priorities of the European Union, simplified implementation approaches and measures aimed at enhancing the contribution of programmes to regional development.
Representatives of the participating countries also expressed their views, expectations and assessments regarding the new programming period. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation within the Black Sea Basin, ensuring that the Programme responds more effectively to regional needs, and identifying priority areas to be considered in the new period.
Furthermore, in order to preserve institutional continuity and make the best possible use of the experience accumulated by institutions and organisations that served as members of the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme during the 2021–2027 period, it was decided that the current Monitoring Committee members would continue to serve as members of the Programming Committee for the 2028–2034 period.