Civil service – Image by Franz Bachinger from Pixabay
(BRUSSELS) – The EU Commission selected a new round of 170 projects under its ‘technical support’ instrument Tuesday, to set up some 307 reforms to strengthen EU states’ competitiveness and modernisation efforts.
The reforms under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) will cover a wide range of areas impacting citizens’ lives in the EU, ranging from the application of Artificial Intelligence in businesses and public administrations, the implementation of the Green Deal Industrial Plan and other reforms instrumental to the transition to a net-zero economy, supporting gender equality and tackling brain drain, and providing mental health care services to young people and children.
The projects prioritise the modernisation of the Member States’ public administrations, including civil servant exchanges to enhance their skillset in areas such as sustainable finance, digitalisation of the administration, use of EU Funds, and data literacy.
Reforms will also contribute to EU political priorities, and 31 per cent of the selected reforms will focus on the transition to a net-zero economy.
The integration of technologies such as AI and digital systems is also a priority, and 27% of the selected reforms relate to the digital transition. For example, the TSI will help Member States to explore ways that AI can help to process data safely and effectively in the areas of social security, welfare, and employment, and how they can ensure that public administrations advance gender equality while using features of AI.
Children and youth are at the centre of 31 reforms in projects across the Member States, with reforms focusing on education, and the mental health and well-being of children and young people.
Through the broader scope of TSI Flagship projects, the Commission will also address common reform needs of Member States, from fostering skills’ development systems to enhancing the quality of public finances, for example. The TSI cycle for 2024 will support 13 flagship projects.
2024 Technical Support Instrument - guide
Country factsheets on Member States’ reform projects
