The Technical Support Instrument (TSI) is an EU initiative designed to offer tailor-made technical expertise to EU countries, aiding them in developing and implementing reforms. This support, which is provided upon a country’s request, does not necessitate co-financing from other EU Member States. As a vital component of the EU’s effort to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, the TSI plays a pivotal role.
The Instrument’s focus on smart, sustainable, and socially responsible reforms aims to bolster the resilience of economies and societies across the EU. It provides Member States with unparalleled assistance in tackling reform challenges. This assistance can manifest in various forms, including strategic and legal advice, research, training, or expert field visits, and is available at any stage of a reform’s lifecycle, from conception to implementation.
Technical support under the TSI spans numerous policy areas, such as climate action, digital transformation, and health. Member States are also empowered to seek assistance in developing, modifying, implementing, and evaluating their national recovery and resilience plans within the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The Instrument’s on-the-ground support in addressing reform challenges is instrumental in helping Member States combat the social and economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. It enhances the quality of public services and fosters inclusive, sustainable growth. Continuing the legacy of the Structural Reform Support Program (2017-2020), the TSI builds on the capacity-building experiences gained during this period. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) manages the Instrument.
What does support for reforms under the Technical Support Instrument entail?
· Application submission: Interested EU Member States must initially submit an application for support.
· Tailored support: The support provided is customized to meet the specific needs of each country.
· Diverse expertise: A unique combination of expertise is offered, sourced from the European Commission, EU Member State administrations, international organizations, or the private sector.
· Capacity enhancement: The support is aimed at strengthening the EU country’s capacity to effectively carry out reforms.
· No co-financing required: This support is provided without the need for co-financing from the Member State.
Types of support
The types of support available under the TSI allow EU Member States to:
· Implement resilience-boosting reforms within the framework of EU economic governance, such as those emerging from country-specific recommendations under the European Semester or in executing EU law.
· Develop, amend, implement, and review national recovery and resilience plans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
· Implement macroeconomic adjustment programs.
· Implementing self-Initiated reforms.
For more information, please visit the Technical Support Instrument page.