18/02/2020 (Agence Europe) – Following the State-Regions Committee meeting of 22 January, French regions and the French State announced, on Tuesday 18 February, their willingness to commit to a simplification of the way in which European funds are used within the context of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. The objective is to propose measures to reduce administrative burdens, shorten time limits for the granting and payment of aid, limit the number of necessary supporting documents, and to stabilise the rules in force throughout the life of a project. An ad hoc working group will be set up with the project leaders during the consultation process to be conducted jointly by the State and the regions. Its tasks will be discussed at the State-Regions Committee scheduled for mid-April 2020, in order that a set of measures can be proposed at the next national seminar on information and partnership consultation regarding European funds 2021-2027, which is scheduled for the end of June 2020. (PH)