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European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation

The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Regulation is a new and innovative instrument. The aim of the EGTC is to facilitate and strengthen economic and social cohesion in the EU. This is achieved by making cross-border, trans-national or inter-regional co-operation actions by Member States, their regions and local authorities easier.

The EGTC Regulation creates a legal framework under EU law allowing Member States and/ or regions to create Groupings, EGTCs which have a legal personality. An EGTC can then act on behalf of its members including the acquisition and disposal of movable and immovable property, the employment staff and being party to legal proceedings.

The main focus of the Regulation is the delivery of EU Structural Funds under the Cooperation Objective.  However, an EGTC can be formed when the Community finance is from an alternative fund or even if there is no Community finance, provided the tasks to be carried out by the EGTC are covered by the Regulation and a Member States' legislation.

The Regulation and the UK's legislation, which was subject to a technical consultation, came into force on 1 August 2007. 

Information on EGTCs in which UK organisations are participating in and UK EGTCs can be found using the links on the right hand side.

Changes affecting accounting and audit regulations came into effect on 6 April 2008.  More information can be found by following the link to the Office of Public Sector Information.  

If you have any queries please contact Simon Jones.