France

This page contains information on the bodies responsible for Structural Funds programmes and on the project control system in France. You may also speak directly with the Interreg Europe representatives in France.

This section provides information on the system set up for control in France for the 2021-2027 programming period. 

The costs associated with this control are indicated so that they can be planned for in project budgets. 

Download the latest list of managing authorities and intermediate bodies responsible for Structural Funds programmes in each country. Select the FR tab for information about France.

France uses a decentralised control system. The partners shall contract an independent, qualified controller based on a shortlist established by the approbation body.

The costs resulting from the control are borne by the project partners and can be reported as eligible costs in compliance with the relevant EU regulations and programme rules. Costs are determined by the public procurement made by the partner.

These costs should therefore be planned in the project budget.

For now, the mini-maxi range could be between 1000 and 3000 euros TTC per financial claim. The total cost will comprise the unit cost multiplied by the number of expenditure claims over the entire duration of the project. Any costs relating to second-level operational and on-the-spot controls in the case of investment should be included.

At least one "on-the-spot check" (done on-the-spot, not virtually) will be carried out during the project lifetime in projects where partners report equipment and/ or infrastructure & works costs related to a pilot action.

Other on-the-spot checks will be performed on a sample basis. More information will soon be available. In case of question, please contact the national approbation body.

This section provides information on the system set up for first level control in France for the 2014-2020 programming period. 

The costs associated with this control are indicated so that they can be planned for in project budgets. 

France uses a decentralised control system. A shortlist of eligible external controllers is established at national level: 

On the basis of the above-mentioned shortlist, the project partner will have to do a tender based on price criteria in order to select the first level controller.

The approbation body is:

The costs resulting from the control can be reported as eligible costs in compliance with the relevant EU regulations and programme rules.

In compliance with the article 23 (4) of Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 and article 125 (5) and (6) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, on-the-spot verifications are done for each project partner at least once during the project lifetime. For first level controllers controlling more than one project partner, sampling may be possible on the conditions that the method is well justified and documented.

A note for French project partners and their first level controllers on the measures linked to the COVID-19 crisis.

Have a look at the French content on our website. Scroll through our project ideas and good practices, or contact our French community members and organisations.