The European Commission announced a series of measures to ease the European Fund for Aid to the Poorest (FEAD) in order to effectively combat the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday 2 April.
These measures are part of the second package of measures presented the same day for the structural and investment funds (see other news). In essence, the proposed measures include a whole new set of eligible pandemic-related expenditure from 1 February 2020, such as expenditure on protective equipment for organisations participating in the programmes.
In addition, the European Commission is introducing a temporary exemption for the approval of FEAD support measures. In addition, the institution offers the possibility of providing food aid and basic material assistance through electronic vouchers, in order to reduce the risk of contamination.
Co-financing is increased to 100% instead of 85% for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The aim is to enable managing authorities and the organisations and actors involved to access funding quickly, the institution explains.
As a reminder, the FEAD represents a little over €3.8 billion for the period 2014-2020, an amount to which at least 15% must be added in terms of national co-financing. The Fund shall support actions by Member States to provide basic food and material aid to the most destitute. This includes food, clothing and other essential items for personal use, such as shoes, soap and shampoo.
To consult the proposal: https://bit.ly/3bM1BTg (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)