30.05.2012

Operational Programme Administrative Capacity shows the best balance between contracted and paid funds. The 2007 - 2011 budget implementation is almost 100%, and payments amount to almost 30%, which is the highest figure compared to all the other operational programmes, shows the presented today first independent assessment of the progress under the seven operational programmes made on the initiative of the Minister for EU Funds Management Tomislav Donchev.

The biggest is the progress under OPAC. By the end of 2011 BGN 98 million were paid or 27.7 % of its total budget. OPAC will also have a positive effect on the GDP, employment growth and unemployment drop, the analysts point out. According to them a conclusion could be drawn that OPAC is one of the programmes with highest percentage of implementation of procedures planned (93.75% - 15 opened of 16 planned procedures last year). "OPAC promotes the sustainability of the administration through increased effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability of its activities. OPAC actions in this field are practically focused on implementing the principle of good governance in the administration, on fostering innovation and e-services, as well as youth employment in the administration and life long learning", the analysis states.

The report further states that in respect of defining the manner of implementing the horizontal principles, in OPAC specific measures with regard to equality between men and women, prevention of discrimination and sustainable development are set.

"The interest of potential beneficiaries in OPAC is very high and this is evidenced by the number of project proposals submitted", the document notes. "The projects under this and two other programmes do not require very long time for preparation and their effect shows quite quickly."

The analysis also commends the good communication and publicity practices. It points out as positive the OPAC actions to improve the capacity of beneficiaries via information days, specialized training on project implementation and the publication of manuals and guidance materials on the most often made errors.