In 2000 the Contact Committee set up a working group to oversee parallel studies on the management of Structural Funds in the Member States. The purpose of the studies was to obtain an accurate, correct and documented description of the procedures implemented in the Member States to manage and control the Structural Funds. The Working Group conducted an exploratory survey on EU-Structural Funds (2000-2006) and submitted a report in 2002.​

In 2002, the Working Group continued its work as the Working Group on Structural Funds I aiming at carrying out a parallel audit of arrangements for ensuring an adequate audit trail including the 5% check as required by Council Regulation 1260/1999 and Commission Regulation 438/2001. A report was submitted in 2004.

In 2004, the Working Group was given a new mandate (Structural Funds II) to continue its work with a short, focused review on the processes for identifying, reporting and following up on irregularities. A report was submitted in 2006.

In 2006, the Contact Committee tasked the Working Group on Structural Funds III to continue its reviews of Structural Fund issues and specifically to carry out an audit on performance (output/effectiveness) of the Structural Funds programmes in the areas of employment and/or environment. A report was submitted in 2008.

In 2008, the Contact Committee mandated the Working Group on Structural Funds IV to continue its work with a focused review of costs of controls (possibly including the use of technical assistance for the controls of Structural Funds). A report was submitted in 2011.

In 2011, the Contact Committee mandated the Working Group on Structural Funds V to continue its work with a focused review on “Simplification of the regulations for Structural Funds”. A report was submitted in 2013.

In 2013, the Contact Committee tasked the Working Group on Structural Funds VI with continuing its review of the Structural Funds and the conducting of a parallel audit on the “Analysis of the errors in public procurement within the Structural Funds programmes”. A report was submitted in 2015.

In 2015, the Contact Committee mandated the Working Group to continue its work and to carry out a parallel audit on “The contribution of the Structural Funds to the Europe 2020 strategy in the areas of education and/or employment”. A report was submitted in 2017.

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