Ref. Ares(2015)2995648 - 16/07/2015
Ref. Ares(2018)3430863 - 28/06/2018
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL MIGRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS
Directorate E – Migration and Security Funds
Unit E1 – Programming
Brussels,
Subject:
Observations on the second version of the multiannual national
programme under the Internal Security Fund for Greece
Dear
Thank you for the amended version of the national programme under the Internal
Security Fund for Greece
, submitted on 30 June 2015
, following the observations made
by the Commission .
Please be informed that the Commission has initiated the approval process of the national
programme. However, before proceeding to the next step of the formal approval by the
Commission, a few outstanding issues still have to be addressed.
We would therefore like to invite you to take into account the additional observations and
kindly ask you to modify the draft programme accordingly.
In order to proceed smoothly with the final stage of the approval process, an amended
version of the programme has to be submitted as soon as possible.
Kindly note however, that the programme could still be subject to modification
throughout the final stage of the approval process.
Yours sincerely,
(e-Signed)
Head of Unit
Encl.: Annex - Observations on the proposed national programme
Commission européenne, B-1049 Bruxelles / Europese Commissie, B-1049 Brussel - Belgium.
Telephone: (32-2) 299 11 11.
ANNEX
Observations on Greece's draft NP for ISF submitted on the 30/06/2015
General
The national programme is now practically ready for approval, with only a few pending issues
still needing to be addressed.
Identification of the designated authorities
1.
As regards the Management and Control System, please complete fully the table in the
first page (column on delegated activities is not filled in).
Section 2: Baseline situation
2.
Please complete the baseline situation with a brief description of the institutional set-up
(we note that the short description made in a previous version has been removed from this new
draft), and information on the annual national spending in the area of border management (a
global figure, if possible).
3.
We note also that the figures given on total funding received by Greece from EBF still do
not correspond to the real situation: the total allocation for Greece under EBF (207 m€ 2007-
2013) could not fully be used and figures are therefore still not accurate. According to our
records, Greece used roughly only 150 m€ of the funds allocated (if one assumes that the
allocation for 2013 can be fully used). Also, the information on VIS related actions until AP 2011
differs from the information we possess, since according to SFC a total of approximately 24 M€
have been spent by Greece on VIS related actions (COM allocation 19M€). We would therefore
recommend that Greece provides just approximate figures when no reliable and totally
accurate figures can be given.
Section 3: Programme objectives
SO2 – Borders
4.
In light of the identified need for increased inter-agency cooperation in EU borders
management, as indicated in the 2013 Guidelines for cooperation between Border Guards and
Customs Administrations, Greece is invited to provide information on the existing customs
cooperation in the baseline, as well as to include a strong component of inter-agency
cooperation in the actions planned under the national programme (i.e. structured exchange of
information, risk analysis, training, equipment, investigations, operational activities at Border
Crossing Points).
5.
As regards National Objective 6 (
National Capacity), please provide, as requested
previously, in a separate document some indicative technical specifications of the category of
the planned UAVs (e.g. maximum take-off weight, maximum heights and length of operation) as
well as the indicative number of items to be purchased.
SO5 - Preventing and combating crime
6.
As regards anti-corruption measures, it would be useful if Greece could provide some
information (in a separate document) on the new Law 4320/2015, which abolishes the post of
the National Coordinator of Anti-Corruption, and the changes it brings in terms of distribution of
responsibilities, as well as its impact on issues such as increased transparency and effective
checks for public procurement, protection of whistle-blowers, enhanced cooperation between
local administration, external control mechanisms and law enforcement.
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Section 3: Indicative timetable
7.
We note that some actions are foreseen to start in 2015. As no formal designation
(provisionally or fully) of the RA authority has taken place yet, we alert once again Greece for
the urgent need to formalise such designation, as without such designation no initial pre-
financing payments can be made by the Commission, and any payments made by a non-
designated authority in 2015 to cover costs to be charged to the Fund are not eligible.
8.
We also note that the establishment of the start implementation phase of the new First
Reception Centre in Attica (
NO6 - National Capacity) is envisaged only for 2017 (and being
finalised by 2020). In view of the current situation of extremely high migratory pressure at
Greece’s borders, Greece may consider a shorter time frame for the implementation of such
action.
Section 6: Framework for preparation and implementation of the programme by the Member
State
9.
The draft provides under paragraph 6.6. for the coordination and complementarity with
other EU financial instruments, including the ESIF. As regards actions to be funded under the
ESIF, Greece should make sure that only actions falling within the scope of the ESF and ERDF, as
defined under their respective legal acts, and eligible under the EU and national rules can be
supported. In addition, it would be useful to have more specific information on the type of
actions complementary to ISF envisaged to be supported by the ESIF. We would like to stress,
once again, the importance of ensuring close coordination between the managing authorities of
the respective programmes. In particular, as regards the OP Public Sector Reform and ISF, a
close coordination between both Managing Authorities must be ensured, to avoid overlapping
and any possible double financing. Please also note that all ICT actions implemented in Greece
have to be in line with the Digital Growth Strategy for Greece which is currently at its
finalisation stage.
10.
As regards direct awards, please revise the explanation provided, which is not entirely
clear and in line with applicable regulations.
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