THE STEERING COMMITTEE IS THE CENTRAL BODY OF THE VERKKO PROJECT
The main tasks of the Steering Committee is decision‑making and technical‑harmonization. Composed of representatives from all beneficiaries and affiliated entities, it provides strategic direction, validates harmonization proposals, and ensures that the project progresses in line with its objectives.
The VERKKO Steering Committee (SC) meets twice a year.
As the project's highest operational governance body, the Steering Committee receives updates on the status of activities and national implementations and guides the technical work to be done. It makes decisions on matters beyond the project manager's mandate, including risk-related issues, and initiates technical working groups as needed. The SC defines the objectives, scope of these groups, and monitors their performance throughout the project.
The Steering Committee also maintains and implements the project’s work plans, ensures coherent internal communication, and organizes technical meetings and workshops when needed. In addition, it reviews and approves milestones and deliverables that have previously been prepared and endorsed by the PAT. The SC also appoints and mandates VERKKO ambassadors, strengthening the project’s visibility and outreach.
The Project Administration Team (PAT) serves as the operational coordination body of the VERKKO project.ensuring that all participating Member States, beneficiaries, and the European Commission remain aligned in their expectations and progress.
It brings together International Coordinators, National Coordinators and their supporting staff to monitor the achievement of project objectives, address emerging issues, and initiate adjustments to the project plan.
The PAT meets approximately six times per year. These meetings, chaired by the acting International Coordinator (AIC) and supported by the Project Management Team (PMT), cover all operational aspects. The PAT oversees technical, financial, and timeline‑related project controlling, identifies deviations from the agreed plan, covers the risk assessment and proposes mitigation measures or modification reports when required.
The PAT plays a key role in preparing and discussing technical harmonization topics that will later be submitted to the Steering Committee (SC) for decision. It coordinates the national implementation of harmonization elements, provides national input to the harmonization process, and monitors horizontal activities and open Action Points.
Beyond its coordination and controlling functions, the PAT highlights issues that may affect project implementation and proposes appropriate steering measures. It ensures communication with the Steering Committee, disseminates results from working groups and workshops.Before milestones and deliverables proceed to the Steering Committee, the PAT reviews and approves them, ensuring that outputs meet the required quality and reflect the project’s strategic direction.