t33’s Annual Seminar – Financial instruments in the European Territorial Cooperation: Possible applications, gains and challenges

Written By Lorenzo Palego
Publishing 09 July 2019

On the 4th July 2019, t33 organized its annual seminar at the very special venue La Mole Vanvitelliana, in Ancona. The event focused on “Financial Instruments in the European Territorial Cooperation”.

The idea behind this initiative was to bring together external specialists in European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) and Financial Instruments (FIs) in order to discuss a possible ‘marriage’ between them and to reflect together on how to advance the debate on this matter. Indeed, the use of Financial Instruments in the last two EU programming periods has significantly increased in several ESIF Operational Programmes, however, with reference to the ETC programmes, their application is still to come.

In this regard, the seminar was articulated across two sessions, moderated by t33 consultants, where two expert teams were set up – ETC and FIs teams – and asked to provide their contributions on given themes. The first session dealt with the added value of financial instruments in the ETC, while the second one brainstormed the possible implementation options. The discussions led to a reflection on the global process of implementing financial instruments within the framework of ETC. More specifically, the experts were invited to consider and discuss several key questions related to the market assessment, the establishment of a financial gap, the identification of an added value, and the delivery and management of the instrument (including the involvement of financial intermediaries), before agreeing on a final assessment.

In simulating a real case study, the conversation allowed for the emergence of valuable elements: it enabled participants to draw the conclusions and to better apprehend the challenges that are now awaiting us.

The very aim of such an event was to open our perspectives. In this context, we were particularly pleased to have with us René-Laurent Ballaguy (EIB); Silvia Comiati (ETC expert);  Ivan Curzolo (ETC expert); Marianne Denoeu (JS, Interreg 2 Seas); Philip Heaton (ETC expert); Marco Naseddu (Reg.Sardegna); Salvatore Vescina (FI expert); and Paolo Zaggia (Finlombarda); who directly contributed to the success of this seminar.