The scope of the study is to verify the extent of actual and planned use of SCOs and FNLC both at European Commission – Member State (upper) level and managing authority – beneficiary (lower) level in the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 programming periods.
The activities are organised in three groups:

• Mapping/quantifying the use of SCOs and FNLC in the 2014-2020 programming period for ERDF, CF, ESF, EAFRD and EMFF. This first objective involves updating the prior study to assess the use of SCO at the conclusion of the programming period. Additionally, the analysis will incorporate the use of SCO under EMFF and simplification measures introduced with the omnibus regulation, focusing on the use of FNLC (which was not covered in the previous study).

• Mapping/quantifying the use SCO and FNLC in the 2021-2027 programming period for ERDF, CF, ESF+, JTF, EMFAF, AMIF, ISF and BMVI. This second objective involves differentiating between the SCO and FNLC that are already ‘in use’ in programmes and those that are ‘programmed’ (i.e., SCO and FNLC that will certainly be used when relevant operations are launched).

• Explore the primary advantages from the adoption of SCO and FNLC, analyse enduring challenges hindering their implementation, and derive essential lessons and recommendations that could improve and facilitate the use of SCO and FNLC in 2021-2027 and post-2027 programming periods.

The study is led by t33 in consortium with PPMI.