The current policy framework for ESI Funds emphasises the need for a significant use of financial instruments with multiplied amounts of ESIF resources delivered to SMEs and other final recipients. Managing authorities within all ESI Funds are currently establishing and implementing the new financial instruments in forms of loans, guarantees, equity and quasi equity. During these processes, ESIF experts need to be aware not only of the Common Provision Regulation but also of the public procurement and State aid regulations.

The Commission also supports the use of Financial Instrument by providing off-the-shelf instruments and enabling the managing authorities to get involved in the centrally-managed Financial Instrument such as Horizon 2020, COSME, InnvoFin and the SME Initiative. Additionally, synergies are possible with resources under the Juncker Plan or European Fund for Strategic Investments.

The possibilities to combine different sources of funding on the programme and project level are in focus of Managing Authorities and other bodies involved in the implementation of financial instruments across Europe.

Programme:

Day 1

• Introduction: Set Up and Implementation of Financial Instruments (FIs) in 2014-2020 Programming Period: Objectives, Main Rules and Regulatory Framework
• Set Up and Implementation of Financial Instruments in Practice
• Key Elements of Sound Financial Management of Financial Instruments
• Selection of Bodies Implementing Financial Instruments (Fund of Fund Managers and Financial Intermediaries)
• Combination Financial Instruments with Grants and with European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)

Day 2

• Structuring and Implementation of Loan Instruments
• Structuring and Implementation of Guarantee Instruments
• Structuring and Implementation of Equity Instruments
• Ensuring Compliance of Financial Instruments with State Aid Rules

Day 3

• Monitoring, Audit and Control in Financial Instruments
• Irregularities in the Implementation of Financial Instruments
• Re-Use of Resources Allocated of Financial Instruments after the eligibility period
• Financial Instruments Beyond 2020