Current position and next steps

In December 2009 the UK submitted its National Strategic Report to the Commission. Under the Structural Funds Regulations, Member States are required to produce strategic reports during 2009 and 2012. These strategic reports are a new feature leading up to publication in 2010 and 2013 of a Commission summary of Member State national strategic reports which will be addressed to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The aim of this strategic approach is to increase the transparency and accountability of Cohesion Policy by involving all the European institutions. The UK report covers England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Gibraltar and provides a response to specific questions as requested by the Commission.