State Aid & Financial Instruments in EU-Funded Programmes: Implementation, Compliance, and Post‑2027 Perspectives.

This two‑day seminar provides a comprehensive and practice‑oriented introduction to the design, implementation, and regulatory requirements of Financial Instruments (FIs) under the EU Cohesion Policy 2021–2027. The programme combines the legal and strategic foundations of FI design with an in‑depth exploration of State aid rules, ensuring participants gain both conceptual clarity and practical tools for compliant implementation.

Day 1 – Legal Framework, Strategic Planning and Design

The first day focuses on the essential building blocks for developing financial instruments. Participants explore the structure and objectives of the EU Cohesion Policy and the key provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (CPR), which define the legal environment for FIs. The agenda then moves into strategic planning, including the ex‑ante assessment, identification of market failures, and the selection of appropriate implementation structures. The day concludes with operational topics such as selecting financial intermediaries, managing reflows, and ensuring eligibility of expenditures. By the end of Day 1, participants will understand how to design financial instruments that are strategically aligned, legally compliant, and operationally effective.

Day 2 – State Aid Rules and Their Application to Financial Instruments

The second day is dedicated to State aid, a critical regulatory dimension for financial instruments. Participants begin with a comprehensive introduction to the legal basis, core principles, and practical implications of State aid rules. The programme then shifts to applied learning, demonstrating how State aid provisions can be used to improve access to finance for SMEs and other target groups while ensuring compliance. The closing session offers two thematic options: an introduction to environmental aid rules or a panel discussion on improving the regulatory framework for financial instruments. Day 2 equips participants with the knowledge to navigate State aid requirements confidently and integrate them effectively into FI design, implementation, and monitoring.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for professionals involved in the planning, management, and implementation of financial instruments under EU funding programmes, including:

  • Managing Authorities responsible for programme design, compliance, and oversight
  • Intermediate Bodies coordinating or delegating FI implementation
  • Financial Intermediaries such as banks, funds, and investment managers delivering FI products
  • Fund of Funds Managers overseeing multi‑level implementation structures
  • Audit and Control Bodies ensuring compliance with CPR and State aid rules
  • Policy Makers and Public Officials working on access‑to‑finance strategies
  • Consultants and Advisors supporting FI design, ex‑ante assessments, and regulatory compliance
  • Legal and Compliance Experts dealing with State aid, eligibility, and audit requirements

The programme is suitable for both experienced practitioners and newcomers seeking a structured and practical introduction to financial instruments and State aid.

DAY 1 — From Regulatory Framework to Strategic Implementation

09:00 – 09:15

Welcome & Introduction Objectives, expectations, and overview of the two‑day programme.

Part I: Legal Framework and Planning

09:15 – 10:30

  • The 2021–2027 Regulatory Landscape
  • Outlook on the post‑2027 Cohesion Policy
  • Ex‑ante Assessment: Purpose, methodology, strategic relevance

10:30 – 10:45 — Coffee Break 1

Part II: Implementation Structures and Instrument Typology

10:45 – 12:15

  • Governance and Delivery Models
  • Eligibility of Expenditure
  • Types of Financial Instruments (loans, guarantees, equity, hybrid instruments)

12:15 – 13:15 — Lunch Break

Part III: Blending Mechanisms, Case Studies, and Best Practices

13:15 – 14:45

  • Synergies and Combination with Grants
  • Blending mechanisms under EU rules
  • Practical considerations for structuring blended operations

14:45 – 15:00 — Coffee Break 2

Part III (continued): Case Studies and Best Practices

15:00 – 16:30

  • Successful implementation models
  • Case studies from Member States
  • Lessons learned and transferable best practices

16:30 – 17:00

Wrap‑Up, Q&A, and Closing Discussion

DAY 2 — State Aid Rules for Financial Instruments

09:45 – 12:15

Introduction to State Aid Rules for Financial Instruments (With a 15–20 minute coffee break inside the session)

Topics covered:

  • Core concepts of State aid
  • Legal basis and main principles
  • Notification procedures
  • Consequences of unlawful aid
  • Relevance for financial instruments under EU funding programmes

12:15 – 13:45 — Lunch Break

13:45 – 15:15

Using State Aid Rules to Improve Access to Finance

  • How State aid rules shape financial product design
  • Examples of effective implementation
  • Ensuring compliance while maximising market impact
  • Lessons learned from recent programming periods

15:15 – 15:30 — Coffee Break

15:30 – 16:30

Final Session – Discussion on Selected State Aid Topics

Experts

Teja Florjancic

Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport Slovenia

Senior Legal Counsel at the European Investment Fund (EIF), where he advises on EU regulatory matters, including the implementation of financial instruments under the EU budget, State aid matters and public procurement. Prior to joining the EIB Group, Florin was an associate at Van Bael Bellis (Brussels), a law firm specialised in EU law, notably EU trade defence instruments (anti-dumping/anti-subsidy) and EU Competition Law. He holds an LL.M. degree from Georgetown Law Center (GULC) and a Master's degree from the Institute of European Studies (IEE), Brussels. Alongside his professional role, he is a visiting lecturer teaching EU and WTO law, including the regulation of subsidies. All views expressed as a trainer/speaker are strictly personal.

Florin Dascalescu

Senior Legal Counsel at the European Investment Fund (EIF)

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Valencia, Spain

This course will take place in vibrant Valencia on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, offering an inspiring seaside setting for an immersive learning experience where modern city energy meets a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Training Fee Inclusions

In addition to comprehensive training materials, the seminar fee covers the following:

a) Catering Services

  • Daily provision of three coffee breaks and one lunch, ensuring participants’ comfort and opportunities for informal networking.

b) Experiential Learning Session: Guided Tour & Culinary Exploration

  • A professionally guided tour offering insights into the cultural and historical context of the region, designed to complement seminar discussions through direct exposure to local heritage.
  • A structured food street tasting experience, curated to highlight the diversity of local culinary practices and their socio‑economic significance. This activity fosters intercultural understanding and encourages dialogue among participants.

c) Participant Recognition

  • A group family photo and selected souvenirs provided to actively engaged participants as a token of appreciation and memory of the seminar.

d) Digital Materials Package

  • Access to a curated set of digital resources, including background readings supporting independent study and reinforcing key seminar themes.

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🎅 St. Nicholas Day Offer: Book 3, Pay for 2!

This holiday season, secure 3 spots for any 2025 seminar and get one completely FREE – our gift to you!

📅 Offer ends December 6, 2024.

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