"RegioFlash" Newsletter Issues

Communities for Climate: Empowering Local Action Against Climate Change (10/07/2024)

Communities for Climate (C4C) is a European Commission initiative empowering local action against climate change by supporting community-led projects. By providing financial, technical, and strategic assistance, C4C fosters innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to local needs, encouraging grassroots action. This initiative not only mitigates climate impacts but also promotes a culture of resilience and sustainability, serving as a model for broader change across Europe.

Public Sector Loan Facility: 6 more Czech projects in just transition regions selected for funding (09/07/2024)

The European Commission has selected 6 projects for co-funding in Czechia aimed at promoting sustainable social infrastructure, improving the energy efficiency of public buildings and modernising transport infrastructure.

Europe's innovation performance steadily improving but at different speeds between Member States (10/07/2024)

The innovation performance of the European Union continues to improve at a steady pace, reaching a 10% increase since 2017 and a growth of 0.5% between 2023 and 2024. According to the 2024 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) published today, most EU Member States have boosted their innovation performance, but the increase varies strongly from one to another.

EU Regions Week 2024: Registrations are open! (07/10/2024)

You can now register for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2024 with its motto "Empowering Communities," taking place in Brussels 7-10 October 2024.

Commission approves €10.82 billion French State aid scheme to support offshore wind energy to foster the transition to a net-zero economy (10/07/2024)

The European Commission has approved a €10.82 billion French scheme to support the deployment of offshore wind energy, which will help foster the transition towards a net-zero economy.

Commissioner Ferreira's visit to Cyprus (10/07/2024)

Strengthening ties for a unified Cyprus! In 2023, the EU Aid Programme & the Green Line Regulation brought Cyprus another step closer to reunification. Have a look at our annual reports. Read all the highlights on Commissioner Ferreira's thread on X.

Delivering on Reforms with the Technical Support Instrument (10/07/2024)

Supporting 🇪🇺 Member States to implement new legislation, reap opportunities & deliver on their strategic reforms has been high on my agenda as Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. See how we have been "Delivering on Reforms". (Read Commissioner Ferreira's thread on X)

Smart Regions - Spain and Portugal join forces in the fight against natural disasters (10/07/2024)

Natural risks and emergencies know no borders. Thankfully, neither do the Spain-Portugal emergency teams working on the ARIEM+ Interreg cooperation project. ARIEM+ has defined a Cross-Border territorial Emergencies plan and created a Single Operational Command Network for the joint management of human and material resources in risk situations, especially those derived from climate change (forest fires, floods). The project also includes aspects such as the training of personnel and awareness raising among the general population on both sides of the Spain-Portugal border.

Stories from the Regions: A new campus to create community at the University of Western Macedonia (10/07/2024)

In this episode of the Stories from the Regions series, we head to the outskirts of Kozani, Greece. In this so-called active urban planning zone, a modern campus is now home to three engineering departments of the University of Western Macedonia. This new infrastructure does not only provide researchers, teachers, and students of these departments with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, but also creates spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration and encounters.

Convergence Report reviews Member States' progress towards joining the euro area (03/07/2024)

On June 26, the European Commission has published the 2024 Convergence Report in which it provides its assessment of the progress non-euro area Member States have made towards adopting the euro.

Stronger cohesion and growth for the Adriatic and Ionian region (03/07/2024)

The EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) aims to foster cohesion and reduce disparities between 10 countries. The 9th annual EUSAIR forum, held in Šibenik, Croatia from 15-16 May, discussed cohesion policy post-2027 and how the strategy can better respond to geopolitical crises and have greater local impact.

Commissioner Elisa Ferreira speaks at the Opening of the ComPAct High-Level Conference (03/07/2024)

In coming years, the EU will face many challenges, from green, digital & demographic transitions, to future enlargements. A Europe that works for people includes strong public services. Our citizens rely on us and we must deliver. (Read Commissioner's Ferreira entire speech)

Romania: Ramnicu Valcea citizens shape their city's mobility in pilot initiative (03/07/2024)

Citizens were involved in the local decision making process to validate investments in sustainable urban mobility and achieve the objective of a “greener, carbon free Europe”

Krakow takes centre stage as host of Cities Forum 2025! (03/07/2024)

The host city for the much-anticipated Cities Forum 2025 is Krakow. The event, organised by the European Urban Initiative (EUI), is a platform for dialogue on the urban dimension of EU Cohesion policy. After careful assessment of applications and the vote of the EU Member States, Krakow has been selected to welcome urban stakeholders from all corners of Europe to the 6th edition of the Cities Forum.

Apply for the the Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument 2024 (03/07/2024)

The European Commission launched two new I3 Instrument calls for proposal on 6 June 2024 with a combined budget of EUR 67 million. These calls are open to consortia of applicants from private organisations (SMEs, start-ups), public institutions and academia (universities, research organisations).

European Urban Initiative: Second call results are out (03/07/2024)

On May 22, 2024, the European Urban Initiative (EUI) announced the results of its second call, which focused on three topics: greening cities, sustainable tourism, and harnessing talent in shrinking cities.

2024 Technical Support Instrument projects revealed! (03/07/2024)

Through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), the European Commission is currently providing support to 18 Member States through two flagship initiatives launched as part of the TSI 2024 cycle: “Overcoming Barriers to Regional Development” and “Fostering Skills Development Systems”.

Central Italy: Crucial Role of European Funds in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction (26/06/2024)

European funds have accelerated the reconstruction in Marche, Abruzzo, and Umbria after the 2016-2017 earthquake, promoting economic recovery and safety.

Commission adopts €110 million in Cohesion Policy Funds to modernise the rail network between Madrid and Seville (26/06/2024)

On Monday the 24 of June the Commission, has approved funding worth more than €110 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to revamp the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line in Spain and ensure that the transport system becomes smarter, sustainable, and more efficient.

European Urban Initiative Policy Lab to take place in Chalandri, Greece on 26 and 27 September 2024 (26/09/2024)

Culture and heritage are cornerstones of European identity, fostering a sense of belonging and shaping communities. They not only enhance a city's attractiveness, but are also a key driver of social cohesion, economic growth and well-being of its inhabitants. Recognising this power, the European Union has promoted many initiatives to support culture and cultural heritage in cities, including the Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU), Urban Innovative Actions (UIA), European Urban Initiative (EUI) and URBACT, to help cities capitalise on their cultural assets.

Equifund-2 in Greece: € 200 million instrument to boost SMEs in life sciences and healthcare (26/06/2024)

In a significant move to boost Greece's startup ecosystem, Greek Alternate Minister for Economy Nikos Papathanasis, EIF’s Director General Marjut Falkstedt, and EIB Group’s Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris have signed an agreement in Athens to extend the successful equity financial instrument (FI), known as EquiFund, for the 2021-27 period, co-financed by Greece's cohesion policy Competitiveness Programme.

Commission funds Regional Innovation Valleys with €116 million to strengthen competitiveness and promote innovation (26/06/2024)

The Commission has identified 151 regions as Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), as part of the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA). By bringing together a range of regions across Europe with different innovation levels and linking up their key innovation actors, RIVs aim to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, bridge the innovation gap in Europe and improve Europe's overall innovation performance.

The 2023 Youth4regions winners train trip kicks off in Venice (26/06/2024)

Sunday 23 of June, Malia, Olena and Sara, the young winners of the Megalizzi– Niedzielski prize for aspiring journalists, kicked off their trip across Europe that will take them to visit EU-funded projects from Venice to Malaga, through France. Follow their adventure on DG Regio's instagram page!

Cohesion policy supports progress towards sustainable development goals (18/06/2024)

From high-speed broadband networks in France, converting food waste in Italy, eco-villages in the Netherlands, to a homeless shelter in Poland, cohesion policy is contributing to meeting the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Commissioner Ferreira participated in the General Affairs Council to exchange on the role of Cohesion Policy in delivering on EU priorities (18/06/2024)

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira will be in Luxembourg to attend the General Affairs Council on Cohesion Policy, to discuss with Ministers the recent adoption of the 9th Cohesion Report and the role that Cohesion Policy has in strengthening competitiveness in all EU regions and delivering on EU priorities.

The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument calls 2024 for Strand 1 and Strand 2a are open (18/06/2024)

The European Commission launched a call for proposals under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument for: • Strand1 (I3-2024-INV1) Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects in shared or complementary smart specialisation areas (Strand 1) • Strand 2a Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects for the development of value chains in less developed regions

50 local projects selected for support under the Communities for Climate initiative (18/06/2024)

The 50 projects selected for support under the Communities for Climate (C4C) initiative have been announced. With a focus on regenerating biodiversity, circular economies, renewable energy and water resource management, C4C will kick-start the groundwork with local communities in the coming weeks.

First European Urban Initiative Policy Lab to take place in Chalandri, Greece, September 2024 (26/09/2024)

Chalandri, Greece will host the first European Urban Initiative Policy Lab exploring the role of culture and cultural heritage for stronger communities and sustainable cities on 26 and 27 September 2024

20.3 million of EU Funds for major flood protection project in Eisenach (18/06/2024)

Monday 17 of June marked he launch of a big flood protection project in Eisenach, Germany. The project is mostly funded by the European Union with €20.3 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The European Urban Initiative (EUI) launches survey (18/06/2024)

The European Urban Initiative (EUI) has just launched a Forward-looking Survey to gather vital insights from urban stakeholders across Europe. This crucial survey, hosted on Portico, plays a key role in understanding the evolving challenges and priorities of European cities and in shaping a responsive approach, providing the European Commission with a deeper understanding of the emerging dynamics and needs of cities.

New data story - Water and sustainable water management (18/06/2024)

Water is essential for human health, for socio-economic development and for all life on our planet. The sustainable use and protection of water is therefore of paramount importance. However, water is under severe pressure from a wide range of human activities. The main threats to water include pollution, over-extraction, climate change and habitat destruction.

Smart Regions: Project “Digital Herodotus II” transforms historical archives into digital treasures (18/06/2024)

Thanks to EU funds, a range of historical archives in Cyprus and the North Aegean region are being preserved.

The green transition: what implications for employment? (12/06/2024)

Moves towards a greener economy are a key EU policy aim. But what will such an economy look like? It will certainly put an end to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and pollution. Existing technologies will have to be made more sustainable, while on the labour market, new clean technology skills will be needed.

New Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument calls are out! (12/06/2024)

The European Commission launched on 6 June 2024 two new I3 Instrument calls for proposals with a budget of EUR 67 million. These calls are open to consortia of applicants from private organisations (SMEs, start-ups), public institutions and academia (universities, research organisations).

Smart Specialisation (S3) Conference 2024 – SAVE THE DATE 11-12 December, Rimini (11/12/2024)

Save the Date and Call for Speakers for the flagship Smart Specialisation (S3) event of the year! The S3 Conference 2024, organised by DG REGIO and the S3 Community of Practice, in partnership with Emilia-Romagna Region and with the support of the Municipality of Rimini, gathers key stakeholders to network, discuss policy and implementation, and share best practices. The conference will focus on successful Smart Specialisation design and implementation, interregional collaboration, and the role of S3 in connecting Regional Innovation Valleys under the New European Innovation Agenda.

Celebrating Success: Cohesion Policy Programmes Drive Bulgaria's Sustainable Future (12/06/2024)

Last week marked the closing events of three Cohesion Policy programmes in Bulgaria from the 2014-2020 financing period, highlighting the achievements and impact across the country of the Operational Programmes Innovation and Competitiveness, Science and Education for Smart Growth and Environment.

Commission adopts decision to support Nord-Pas-de-Calais with EUR 11.6 million as an advance from the EU Solidarity Fund (12/06/2024)

The European Commission approved an advancement payment of EUR 11.6 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to support the French region Nord-Pas-de-Calais in addressing the severe damages caused by heavy rainfall and rivers overflows in November 2023. The flooding resulted in numerous mudslides, road closures, significant economic losses and forced thousands of residents to leave their homes.

Cohesion policy and EU strategic agenda 2024-2029 (12/06/2024)

Ministers will exchange views on the link between cohesion policy and the EU strategic agenda for 2024-2029, set to be adopted by the European Council at its meeting on 27 and 28 June 2024.

The Urban Agenda for the EU: public consultation on action plans (12/06/2024)

The Urban Agenda for the EU Thematic Partnerships on Greening Cities and Sustainable Tourism have launched a Public Consultation with the aim of collecting feedback on their draft Action Plans. Both Partnerships submitted their draft Action Plans in April this year and the feedback collected will be taken into consideration for the finalisation of

Commissioner Ferreira visits Saxony and JTF projects (12/06/2024)

Commissioner Ferreira visited LEAG in Boxberg, Saxony, discussing plans to reconvert from lignite to green hydrogen. Saxony is 1 of 4 German regions benefiting from €2.5 billion support from the Just Transition Fund to create new economic opportunities for regions affected by green transition. (Check the thread on X)

Smart Regions: Less energy-intensive waterway management thanks to EU funded project “Green Win” (12/06/2024)

Smart Regions: Less energy-intensive waterway management thanks to EU funded project “Green Win”

Hungary celebrates 20 years of EU membership (05/06/2024)

Hungary celebrates 20 years of EU membership in 2024. To mark the event, concerts, running race and various family programmes were available to the public in Budapest and in 12 locations across the country. Achievements of Cohesion Policy were also displayed. But let us start at the beginning...

EU Elections 2024: Only one more day to go! (05/06/2024)

Only 1 more day to wait to cast your vote for the future of the EU. The EU elections 2024 are your chance to make your voice heard. This week #UseYourVote. Don’t let others decide for you. All you need to know about the European elections

Commissioner Ferreira visits Germany to discuss the implementation and importance of Cohesion Policy today and in the future (05/06/2024)

Next week, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira will be travelling to Germany to discuss the impact of Cohesion Policy funds on the ground and the future of the Policy. The Commissioner will also visit several EU-funded projects.

9th EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region Annual Forum: A Milestone in Regional Cooperation and Youth Engagement (05/06/2024)

The 9th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region concluded with significant developments, including the adoption of the Šibenik Declaration. The event, organized under the Croatian Presidency of the Strategy, saw active participation from 650 attendees demonstrating the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking agenda of the participating countries underscoring the necessary role of EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region in Western Balkans Enlargement process, youth engagement, regional cooperation and dialogue and offsetting the observed, worrying demographic shift in the region.

Sustainability Transitions in Cohesion Policy: From Policy to Practice - Join the C4T conference online (05/06/2024)

On June 4, 2024, DG REGIO and the C4T Secretariat will host the 2nd Edition of the C4T Conference, focusing on "Sustainability Transitions in Cohesion Policy: From Policy to Practice." The event will gather managing authorities, regions, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in sustainability transitions investments under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF) for the 2021-2027 period.

FI Campus 2024: Carrying the torch for Financial Instruments (25/06/2024)

Registrations are open until the 18 of June for the flagship event of fi-compass on Financial Instruments. It will take place in Brussels on 25, 26 and 27 June 2024, featuring apart from panels and sessions dedicated to FIs under shared management, a fireside chat with Commissioner Elisa Ferreira and the President of the EIB Nadia Calviño on the future of Cohesion Policy and the role of financial instruments.

Cohesion policy 2021-2027 support to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (05/06/2024)

The European Commission is strongly committed to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

What has Cohesion policy done for territorial cooperation? (05/06/2024)

The EU Cohesion Policy is the tangible expression of EU solidarity. Its Interreg programmes are the concrete manifestation of achieving shared objectives through cooperation of regions and cities across the EU and beyond its borders. Together, we can go far! (read Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

What had Cohesion Policy done for Europe? (05/06/2024)

Over the past months, I've shared some of the countless achievements and success stories of Cohesion Policy. Each EU country has a remarkable story to tell. Each region benefits from tangible financial support for sustainable development that is changing people’s lives for the better. (Read Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

Europe in a Nutshell at Inform EU(ro) 2024 (29/05/2024)

Hanover, Germany is hosting the 6th Inform EU plenary meeting from 27 to 29 May. Organisers used an innovative approach this year to allow participants to share best practices in how to communicate the many benefits of EU funding to all Europeans.

European Urban Initiative: 22 innovative projects from EU cities supported as a result of the second call (29/05/2024)

On Wednesday 22 of May, the Commission and the Hauts-de-France Region, EUI Entrusted Entity, announce the results of the second call on innovative actions from the European Urban Initiative (EUI): 22 projects from all across the EU will test new solutions on cities’ greening, sustainable tourism and harnessing talent in shrinking cities.

Helping regions facing high rates of departure of young people (29/05/2024)

The kick-off event for Pillar 2 of the Talent Booster Mechanism was held at the Headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France on 18-19 April 2024. It was hosted by the OECD’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO).

Outermost regions: a new edition of TAIEX-REGIO peer-to-peer exchanges (29/05/2024)

On 23 May, a webinar was dedicated to the “Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) - New opportunities for 2021-27 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programs of outermost regions”. This new series of peer-to-peer (P2P) events will help outermost regions to share their expertise in implementing the ERDF.

€17 million of EU funds for the extension of the water and sewerage infrastructure in Gorj County, Romania (29/05/2024)

On the 22 of May the European Commission has approved an investment of almost €17 million from the Cohesion Fund for the extension of the water and sewerage infrastructure in Gorj County, Romania.

Share your experiences! A survey to collect your good practices in addressing challenges associated with demographic change and brain drain has just been launched. (29/05/2024)

On 22 May, the European Commission’s Harnessing Talent Platform launched a survey to gather insights on effective practices for tackling demographic change, brain drain, and population decline. You are invited to submit your suggestions and have the chance to have them featured on the platform.

Commissioner Ferreira launched latest edition of the EU Regional Social Progress Index 2.0 (29/05/2024)

Last Thursday, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira launched the latest edition of the EU Regional Social Progress Index (EU-SPI) at an event in Brussels, organised by the European Committee of Regions. The report measures social progress across EU regions and allows the Commission to assess the quality of life and well-being of citizens

Bridging Gaps: EU Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 - Creating a better life for Europeans (29/05/2024)

Read the ultimate overview of Cohesion policy! The European Union’s Cohesion Policy is vital in reducing economic and social disparities and promoting harmonious development across the continent. The policy, implemented together with the EU countries and regions, gives active, timely support for employment, entrepreneurship, research & development, infrastructure, environment, human capital and much more in line with objectives of smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

Young voices from the Just transition: an interview with the EUTeens4Green (21/05/2024)

At the Just Transition Platform Conference, Panorama spoke with the young activists from the EUTeens4Green advocating for a Just transition in their regions. Read about their hopes for the equitable and sustainable future that the European Green Deal might deliver…if we listen to them.

9th EUSAIR Forum kicks-off to discuss challenges and opportunities for the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region (22/05/2024)

The 9th annual forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) took place last Wednesday 15 May Šibenik, Croatia. The annual forum provides policymakers and stakeholders with an opportunity to reflect on how Cohesion Policy funds are benefiting Europe’s Adriatic-Ionian regions, and how the regions can address common challenges together through shared, long-term objectives.

The support for the development and resilience of Bulgarian regions highlighted during key meetings (22/05/2024)

Sofia, Bulgaria — The local Just Transition Fund subcommittees and the Program Development of the Regions 2021-2027 Monitoring Committee convened in a series of important meetings on May 13 and 14, 2024. The meetings underscored the ongoing commitment to sustainable regional development and successful use of EU funds.

Regio Waves is back! Listen to episode 11 (22/05/2024)

In this first episode of the third season from the title "Talent plumbing VS Brain Drain in EU regions". Guest Rebecca Fleming from the European Commission sheds light on why youth decide to leave their region and what regions can do to stem this exodus of talent. At the microphone of REGIO Waves she shares her task force’s analysis of the reasons why young people choose to leave a region, to stay or to go back. Listen on your favourite streaming platform.

Reinforcing cross-border governance for development (18/06/2024)

DG REGIO and OECD are working on ways to improve cross-border governance. This is why cross-border co-operation experts and practitioners from across the EU are invited to participate in this occasion to build more resilient cross-border regions. Where? Brussels! When? on 18 and 19 June 2024!

Europe’s green jobs: Progressing, but unevenly across regions (22/05/2024)

The transition to a greener, more efficient economy presents both opportunities and challenges. While it promises a future free from greenhouse gasses, biodiversity loss, and pollution, it also necessitates a shift in our workforce.

What has Cohesion policy done for Latvia? (22/05/2024)

Two great decades! 20 years ago, Latvia joined the EU and a great story of success and development started, thanks also to nearly € 10 billion of Cohesion policy funds supporting strategic projects in the transport network, the environment, the health sector, research & development. (Read Commissioner Ferreira's full thread on X).

What has Cohesion policy done for Lithuania? (22/05/2024)

When Lithuania joined the EU, 20 years ago, its GDP per capita was 50% of the EU average. In 2022, that figure moved up to 89%. Cohesion Policy funding played a role in this success story by supporting Lithuania with more than € 15 billion!

Smart Regions: EU funded cancer detection device helps to save lives (22/05/2024)

Researchers from the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University have developed a device that, due to its small size and ease of use, will be convenient to use in doctors' offices for early diagnosis of skin melanoma and other types of cancer (basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer), postoperative scar monitoring and timely recognition of tumor relapse.

Interreg Projects: Pioneering Green Solutions in Maritime Transport (22/05/2024)

Maritime transport, while indispensable for global trade, has long been a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Accounting for 3 to 4% of the EU's total CO2 emissions, or over 144 million tonnes of CO2 in 2019 alone, the sector has faced increasing pressure to transition towards more sustainable practices. However, recent initiatives within the framework of Interreg projects are showcasing promising strides towards greener maritime transport.

B solutions: solving border obstacles (15/05/2024)

The European Commission’s B-Solutions initiative is helping to overcome legal and administrative obstacles in border regions, fostering European integration and economic growth.

Ministers from 11 EU countries call for robust and flexible cohesion policy after 2027 (15/05/2024)

At the initiative of the Czech Deputy Prime Minister, Ivan Bartós, and at the presence of Commissioner Ferreira the ministers responsible for cohesion policy from Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia adopted a joint declaration in Prague calling for a robust and flexible cohesion policy for the period after 2027.

Bulgaria's first hydrogen charging station inaugurated, a significant milestone towards green mobility (15/05/2024)

On May 10, 2024, Bulgaria celebrated a significant step towards green mobility with the inauguration of its first hydrogen charging station. Led by the Competence Center "HITMOBIL," this new facility could revolutionise the country's green transportation landscape.

Bulgaria officially launched its communication campaign on 2014–2020 Cohesion policy achievements 14 May 2024 (15/05/2024)

Bulgaria has officially launched its communication campaign to communicate 2014 – 2020 Cohesion policy achievements on Europe`s day. EUR 17 billion have been invested in over 50,000 projects, cities were transformed, and thousands of people lives changed for the better.

Cohesion for transition Second conference (08/05/2024)

The second edition of the C4T Conference, Sustainability Transitions in Cohesion Policy: From Policy to Practice, will take place on June 4, 2024. The conference will spotlight the pivotal role of local actors and civil society in shaping sustainability transitions. We will share compelling testimonies of transition solutions in practice, inspiring and guiding our collective efforts toward a greener, low-carbon economy.

Webinar: Paving the way for industrial transition through systemic change and inclusive strategies (15/05/2024)

On 22nd May 2024, the S3 Community of Practice (S3CoP) Working Group on Industrial Transition will host the second in a series of webinars titled "Paving the Way for Industrial Transition through Systemic Change and Inclusive Strategies". Further information and registration details are available below.

The 9th annual forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) is taking place today in Šibenik, Croatia (15/05/2024)

The Forum offer a distinctive chance to explore final results of the revision of the EUSAIR, its Action Plan and Governance Architecture.

A look back at the history of Cohesion policy for Europe Day (15/05/2024)

The history of the EU and of Cohesion policy are intertwined. Cohesion Policy has marked the EU key moments: from the Treaty of Rome to the Single Market, from the Maastricht Treaty to the various EU enlargements. Dive into history with Commissioner Ferreira's 9 May #EuropeDay thread on X.

What has Cohesion policy done for Luxembourg? (15/05/2024)

As one of the 6 founding members of the Union, Luxembourg has greatly contributed & benefitted from EU membership. Cohesion policy has been supporting highly innovative projects in Luxembourg in the fields of R&D&I, Energy efficiency, Training & skills, Social integration. (Take a look at the Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X).

Enlargement 2004: Cohesion policy 20 years later (08/05/2024)

In the 20 years since the most significant EU enlargement ever, cohesion policy has supported development of infrastructure and public services and fostered innovation, education and skills development. Member States that joined.

Commissioner Ferreira visits Hungary to see how Cohesion Policy is benefiting people and regions on the ground (08/05/2024)

Last week, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira visited Hungary to discuss how Cohesion Policy funds are helping the country to deliver on key EU priorities on the ground and promote sustainable development and welfare. She visited the Tarnabod "catching up settlement" where she met representatives of the Roma community, the Mátra lignite power plant, held meetings with Ministers Navracsics and János, with the Mayor of Budapest Karácsony and with civil society organisations.

Sustainable and affordable housing to support green growth in Sweden (08/05/2024)

The Grant Agreement for the Sustainable and Affordable Housing for the New Green Industry and Society (SHERIS) project, which will support the construction of 7 housing complexes in Northern Sweden, has just been signed. SHERIS is financed by the European Union under the Public Sector Loan Facility, which is part of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), with a grant of EUR 11 million. The grant complements a loan of EUR 71 million (SEK 800 million) awarded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), bringing the total budget for the project to EUR 142 million (SEK 1.6 billion).

9th JTP Conference reflects on the progress, social dimension and future of just transition (08/05/2024)

On 16-17 April 2024, the 9th Just Transition Platform (JTP) Conference took place in Brussels and online. Co-hosted by DG REGIO and DG ENER, this hybrid event brought together over 1,000 registered participants, including around 300 in person, to share views and experiences on the just transition process, including the achievements of Just Transition Fund (JTF) projects so far.

JTPeers Exchange announces the next edition of peer-to-peer exchanges (08/05/2024)

The Just Transition Platform (JTP) announces the second edition peer-to-peer exchanges under the JTPeers Exchange programme.

€90 million Cohesion Policy call reinforces urban innovation across the EU (08/05/2024)

To further reinforce and strengthen sustainable urban development in EU cities, the Commission today is launching a third call for proposals worth €90 million under the European Urban Initiative (EUI). Projects selected under this call will test innovative solutions in cities to help them to deliver on the green and digital transitions.

Achievements of cooperation with Ukraine in the final conference of Romania-Ukraine programme (08/05/2024)

On 17 April 2024, the closing conference of the 2014-2020 Romania-Ukraine programme took place in Suceava. This event brought together over 250 participants from Romania and Ukraine to celebrate the achievements of cross-border cooperation projects funded by the European Union.

Green interventions in Czechia and Poland thanks to JTM PSLF (08/05/2024)

The European Commission is co-financing 3 projects aimed at promoting sustainable urban infrastructure and improving the energy efficiency of public buildings to the tune of EUR 7.3 million under the Public Sector Loan Facility (PSLF) of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). The three projects were submitted under the 5th cut-off date of PSLF, which is a blending facility that combines loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) with grants from the European Commission to support a fair and just transition towards climate neutrality across the European Union.

What has cohesion policy done for Slovakia? (08/05/2024)

Over € 25 billion in 20 years, that’s what Slovakia received in Cohesion Policy support since joining the EU. This helped increase Slovakia's GDP per head to converge towards 🇪🇺 average, from 59% to 69%. All regions have benefitted from this support. (Take a look at Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

What has cohesion policy done for Hungary? (08/05/2024)

Two decades of cooperation between Hungary and the EU! Cohesion policy is supporting Hungary since accession in 2004 with almost €50 billion to help regions become more competitive, resilient & sustainable. Take a look at some examples of what Hungary has achieved with EU support in the past 20 years (on Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X).

Smart Regions: Maritime traffic system in Central Baltic region reduces carbon emissions (08/05/2024)

Thanks to the “Port Activity App”, the Baltic ports of Rauma (Finland) and Gävle (Sweden) implement efficient port calls using real-time information.