Julie Morgan AM has been appointed as the new Chair of a committee which helps ensure Wales maximises the impact of the EU Funds.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Wales Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) is responsible for monitoring the effective delivery of the European Structural and Investment funds in Wales, which provide support to help people into work, drive business growth and innovation as well as assistance for rural communities.
Julie Morgan replaces former chair, Mick Antoniw AM, who was appointed as the Welsh Government’s Counsel General earlier this year.
She will now lead the PMC which comprises 28 members drawn on a representative basis from partners and sectors, including business, education, local government, land-based industries and the third sector, and on merit through public appointments.
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the programmes for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) programmes.
Appointing Mrs Morgan, First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said:
“EU funds are vital to supporting our policies for sustainable jobs and growth and the Chair will play an important role in ensuring we continue to maximise the impact of EU investments available to us.
“I have sought a cast iron commitment that Wales will not lose a penny of the EU money we currently receive up to 2023 as a result of withdrawal from the EU. We are in on-going discussions with the UK Government about guaranteeing funds for projects agreed after this year’s Autumn Statement.
“Our priority is to get the best deal for Wales in the forthcoming negotiations over the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU. This includes safeguarding all the funding to which Wales has access so businesses, people and communities continue to receive the support they need.”
Mrs Morgan said:
“I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the All-Wales PMC. The EU funds allocated to Wales are there for a purpose – to support growth and jobs – and we are determined to make a success of the EU funds.
“The PMC will also help shape the Welsh Government’s strategy for securing the best possible results for Wales as we prepare for our EU transition.”