Programme management

The implementation structures and procedures set out below are agreed among the partners for implementing the Alpine Space Programme 2007-2013 in order to safeguard the efficient transnational programme management.

The relationships of the programme bodies are based on the following overall principles:

  • slim, efficient and effective structures;
  • clear definition of tasks and responsibilities;
  • balance between structures on national and transnational level;
  • respect of the partnership principle as set out in article 11 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006.

The Programme Committee (PC)

It is composed of the representatives of all Partner States at national and regional level, as well as representatives of European Commission. Relevant alpine organisations, especially the Alpine Convention, and other relevant transnationally organised non-governmental bodies (NGOs) may have advisory capacity. Decisions are taken by consensus of the full members.

The PC

  • meets regularly, at least once a year;
  • assumes tasks related to the monitoring of the programme implementation and to the selection of projects for co-funding;
  • considers and approves the annual implementation and final report(s);
  • adopts the Terms of Reference and the roadmap of each call for project proposals;


The Managing Authority (MA)

The Partner States have appointed the Land of Salzburg (Austria), represented by the Government Office of the Land Salzburg, department 15 for Economy, Tourism and Energy (sub-unit Regional development and EU regional policy) to act as Managing Authority.

The MA

  • bears the overall responsibility for managing and implementing the Operational Programme;
  • acts as an interface between the European Commission and the participating states and regions;
  • sets the contractual arrangements for programme and project implementation.

Contact the MA


The Certifying Authority (CA)

The Partner States have appointed the Land of Salzburg, represented by the Government Office of the Land Salzburg, department 15 for Economy, Tourism and Energy (sub-unit Promotion of Economy and Technology) to act as Certifying Authority.

The CA

  • draws-up and submits to the European Commission certified statements of expenditure and applications for payment;
  • monitors commitments and payments of ERDF funds and maintains accounting records in computerised form of expenditure declared to the Commission;
  • receives the payments made by the Commission;
  • makes the payments to the project Lead Partner.


The Audit Authority  (AA)

The function of the Audit Authority will be performed by the Federal Chancellery of Austria, department IV/3 Financial Control of the ERDF. The Audit Authority will be assisted by a group of auditors comprising a representative of each Member State participating in the Operational Programme carrying out specific duties.

The AA and the group of auditors

  • ensure that audits are carried out to verify the effective functioning of the management and control system of the Operational Programme;
  • ensure that audits are carried out on operations on the basis of an appropriate sample to verify expenditure declared.


The Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS)

The JTS is set up by the Managing Authority after consultation with the Member States represented in the programme area. It is located in Munich and composed by international staff.

The JTS

  • carries out the day-to-day implementation of the programme;
  • provides expertise and assistance to the Managing Authority, the Programme Committee (PC) and, where appropriate, to the Audit Authority in carrying out their respective duties;
  • is the central contact point for public interest in the programme, as well as for potential partners and selected operations;
  • implements the communication plan and develops public relations;
  • coordinates and cooperates with the Alpine Space Contact Points (ACP);
  • enhances links with other EU-programmes and with organisations, institutions and networks relevant for the objectives of the programme in the Alpine Space;
  • organises and coordinates the calls for proposals;
  • facilitates the project generation process at transnational level and acting as node in the ACP network;
  • provides technical support to project applicants during the project application process;
  • coordinates the national evaluation and carries out the transnational evaluation during the project evaluation process;
  • provides assistance and support to the projects at transnational level and monitors progress made by projects during the implementation phase;
  • analyses potentials to foster synergies and networks between approved projects;
  • analyses, capitalises and promotes project results.

Contact the JTS


The Alpine Space Contact Points (ACP)

Each Partner State has set up a contact Point securing a link between the transnational and national/regional level in programme implementation and serving as a first interlocutor for project applicants and partners in the respective country. The ACPs also take appropriate measures (e.g. newsletters, websites, public events) to raise awareness and to disseminate information about the programme on national and regional level in their respective countries. Furthermore, ACPs support the JTS and the MA in the fulfilment of their tasks.

The ACPs

  • assist project applicants/partners during the project generation, application and implementation phases in the respective Partner State;
  • take respective measures to stimulate the project generation process;
  • give technical support to project applicants during the project application process;
  • carry out the national verification of project proposals with regard to partners situated in the country of the ACP and bearing the responsibility for bringing in the results of the national evaluation;
  • provide for assistance and support to the partners in the respective Partner State and monitor progress made by projects;
  • support the JTS in monitoring the progress made by projects during the implementation phase;
  • capitalise project results in the respective national context.

Contact the ACPs


The National Coordinators (NC)

Each Partner State of the programme is represented by one national coordinator who is member of the national delegation of the PC. The function of the national coordinators is to safeguard a continuous coordination among Partner States and to prepare decisions of the PC. Besides the above-mentioned constant coordination at transnational level, the Partner States endeavor to ensure that the different stakeholders in their territory are appropriately informed and involved in the programme implementation. Thus, the Partner States will take respective measures such as setting up national committees to ensure appropriate coordination activities in their countries.

The Transnational Task Forces (TF)

Transnational Task Forces may be established. They shall deal with specific thematic and strategic fields including issues of environmentally sustainable development, especially as regards the preparation of calls for project proposals. The composition will depend on the respective topic that is dealt with.