Bilingual drama series Hinterland/Y Gwyll is an excellent example of how Wales can benefit from EU funding opportunities – according to the National Assembly’s Enterprise and Business Committee.
The Committee has conducted an inquiry examining a range of funding streams available to Wales for 2014-2020, building on the Committee’s previous work on Structural Funding and the EU’s new research programme Horizon 2020.
There is currently around €42billion (£33billion) available across the EU through initiatives such as Erasmus+, INTERREG, Creative Europe, and Connecting Europe. The Committee was keen to see how much priority is given to making the most of these opportunities in Wales by the Welsh Government and other organisations.
It concluded that Wales’s creative sector is leading the way in unlocking European funds, while there is also evidence that some parts of the Welsh higher and further education sectors are also performing well in accessing funding. Yet these are exceptions rather than the rule.
The Committee concluded that the over-emphasis on Structural Funds and Rural Development Programmes in Wales means that the significant opportunities provided by other funding programmes haven’t been properly realised.
The Committee heard that Scotland and Ireland have a much more joined-up strategic approach to applying for such funds and wants to see a coherent strategy for all EU policy and funding programmes, which can maximise engagement from Wales and create synergy with Welsh Government priorities and initiatives.
The Committee has also called for the establishment of an ‘EU funding champion’ to drive delivery and implementation of the Welsh Government’s new EU strategy.
“Welsh organisations need support to participate in these EU funding programmes, such as building capacity and international partnerships,” said William Graham AM, Chair of the Enterprise and Business Committee.
“That will require both a shift in resources and in ways of thinking within local and national government to give these programmes the priority they merit – and we should look to Ireland and Scotland for how to develop a more proactive and strategic approach.
“The critically-acclaimed Welsh drama series Hinterland/Y Gwyll shows just how important EU funding can be, in this case the Media Programme, in helping to promote Wales to new audiences, and to present a vibrant and positive image of Wales across Europe (and beyond).
“It also shows what can be achieved with support from Welsh Government through its Media Antenna initiative.”
The Committee makes 16 recommendations in its report based around three main themes:
Developing an overall strategic approach;
Championing EU funding programmes, including strengthening Welsh representation in Brussels negotiations and networks;
Providing the support structures necessary (a central point of information and advice within Welsh Government; specialist and tailored services for different sectors; building partnerships; and sharing good practice).
Report: EU Funding Opportunities: 2014-2020
More information about the inquiry into EU funding opportunities can be found here.