The Funds
EU regional policy is financed by three main funds, which can be used under some or all of the regional policy objectives:
- European Regional Development Fund
- European Social Fund
- Cohesion Fund
Four new financial instruments were set up in 2007 to provide technical assistance (Jaspers & Jasmine), improve access of SMEs to microfinance (Jeremie) and support urban development (Jessica).
The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) provides assistance in case of major natural disasters.
Support for EU candidate and potential candidate countries is available via the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA).