VAS and Structural Funds: a methodological approach

Abstract

The article addresses ‘VAS and Structural Funds: a methodological approach’, placing the theme in the economic, social and territorial framework discussed by the authors. Strategic Environmental Assessment (VAS) was introduced by the Community Directive 42/2001/EC with the aim of integrating environmental protection principles during planning and programming. The final version of the VAS Programmes and Documents is still being prepared, as negotiations are taking place with the European Commission pursuant to Article 29(3) of the RDR. Following the exclusion of the Operational Programme on the European Social Fund, the VAS route continued only for the POR ERDF and the PSR FEASR. There is no negative impact as a result of the implementation of the action and the overall coefficient of environmental sustainability associated with the same results 1,44, with leverage effect corresponding to a financial amount for environmental purposes equal to 16% of the total amount of the POR ERDF. The margins of expenditure are often reduced and the programmer has to choose a few intervention priorities, in accordance with the above rules/documents.

Keywords

Cohesion policy; assessment of policies; European Union; environment; waste disposal; governance

JEL codes

R58; F15; Q58