From E- to Open-Government in delivering European Union funds to beneficiaries: the case of Greece

The aim of the current research is to examine how and to what extent existing egovernment services in planning, managing and delivering EU funds in Greece, can evolve into new open-government models. It also aims to examine how to effectively engage citizens and potential beneficiaries to participate in processes, such as policy-making or projects’ and funds’ allocation within the framework of the Partnership Agreement 2014/2020. The importance of the subject lies within identifying ways to promote government efficiency through open government initiatives motivating citizens’ participation, interaction and collaboration, especially during times of distrust in national public and in European Union institutions. The study comprises of a combination of both primary and secondary data collection. To this end, it includes a literature review to define e government, open government and means to deliver e-services. It showcases policies, the legal framework and available platforms and trends in both Greece and Europe. The review offers a perspective on actual e- and open government efforts in the EU funds’ management. In this context, the research further presents a study carried out and the responses acquired among public bodies (managing authorities) and potential beneficiaries (public entities and citizens) with regard to their awareness, perceptions, concerns and attitudes on existing and possible future open government models. Findings show that respondents recognize the benefits of e-government services, yet they encounter difficulties using them, mostly due to the platforms’ technocratic language. They are uncertain however on the impact open data have had on the EU funds management and demonstrate reservations on trust and security issues, including interaction and integration of their proposals in policy- and decision-making processes. The study concludes with proposals on future academic research and policy applications in order to further advance the openness of governance in the EU funds.