17. Acknowledges the validity of both the centrally managed approach of FP7 and CIP and the decentralised approach of the Structural Funds; emphasises, however, the need to harmonise rules processes and methods insofar as possible, while ensuring the necessary flexibility, despite the differences in systems of governance; stresses that funding for research and innovation at national and EU levels needs to be more efficient and effective and that there should be a commitment to optimising it, with a view to developing a strategic European research and innovation agenda; considers excessive administrative requirements to be a serious im ...[+++]pediment to achieving cohesion policy objectives, and therefore calls for effective action to simplify the processing of grants and the monitoring systems;

13. Calls for the above steps to be taken prior to any decision; requests, accordingly, an open-ended debate involving most parties in order to examine other possible management approaches, with a view to achieving the broadest possible consensus for the necessary changes to the Community management policy;

13. Calls for the above steps to be taken prior to any decision; requests, accordingly, an open-ended debate involving most parties in order to examine other possible management approaches, with a view to achieving the broadest possible consensus for the necessary changes to the Community management policy;

13. Calls for the above steps to be taken prior to any decision; requests, accordingly, an open-ended debate involving most parties in order to examine other possible management approaches, with a view to achieving the broadest possible consensus for the necessary changes to the Community management policy;

Operational adaptability was displayed in responding to new situations through a risk management approach, re-allocation of resources where necessary and willingness to learn and adapt.

It was significant that the Commission opted for the integrated management approach, one that I too wholeheartedly endorse, for it is the remarkable thing about this programme and not to be found in any of the others.