"RegioFlash" Newsletter Issues

Cohesion policy works — and must rise to new challenges (24/04/2024)

Cohesion policy is one of the most successful and important tools the EU has to strengthen democracy and integrate Member States. However, it needs to adapt to meet the needs of Europeans in an increasingly complex world participants said at the 9th Cohesion Forum held 11-12 April in Brussels.

Opening speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira at the 9th Just Transition Platform (JTP) Conference (24/04/2024)

"My key message to all of you today: we are all together. We know it is complex. But it can be done. We are listening to you, so we can make life easier for you, to help you to deliver. You are not alone’, Read the opening speech by Commissioner Ferreira at the 9th Just Transition Platform Conference.

Young people set the stage for an inclusive green transition at the #EUTeens4Green conference (24/04/2024)

On the 19 of April, the #EUTeens4Green closing conference took place in Brussels as part of this year's European Youth Week, to showcase projects developed by young people to ensure that the green transition takes place in a just and inclusive way.

Voices of young people: Apply to become a member of the EUSAIR Youth Council! (24/04/2024)

A call for applications is open to young people to express their interest in shaping the future of the Adriatic and Ionian Region.

ALCOTRA Youth Council 2024-2025: Help shape the future and reply to the call for applicants for the ALCOTRA Youth Council 2024-2025 (24/04/2024)

The monitoring Committee for the 2021-2027 ALCOTRA France-Italy programme values the involvement of young people in overseeing the programme and in developing cross-border cooperation between France and Italy. The ALCOTRA Youth Council was established in July 2022 as a consultative body for the monitoring Committee.

Who is going to host the next #CitiesForum ? (24/04/2024)

It's official: the preparation of the 6th edition of the Cities Forum begins. The Cities Forum is the European Commission flagship event focusing on the urban dimension of the EU Cohesion Policy, organised by the European Urban Initiative. This is more than an opportunity to host; it's your chance to spotlight your city's achievements on a European stage, The application window is now OPEN, with a closing date of 13 May.

"Much more than a market" Enrico Letta presents report on Single Market at European Council (24/04/2024)

During the European council of the 17 and 18 April, Jacques Delors Institute President Enrico Letta presented his high-level report entitled ‘Much more than a market’ and asked the current and future Council presidencies to make progress on the report’s recommendations by the end of the year. Commissioner Ferreira reacted by highlighting the role of cohesion policy in ensuring a level playing field in the Single Market.

Commissioner Ferreira's thoughts on Enrico Letta's "Much more than a market" report (24/04/2024)

Commissioner Ferreira welcomes Enrico Letta's report on how to strengthen and modernise the EU’s best asset: the single market (SM). “An effective cohesion policy (…) has always been, and will continue to be, a key condition for the success of the single market”. (read more on X)

What has Cohesion policy done for Cyprus? (24/04/2024)

Cyprus has benefited greatly from Cohesion policy funds since EU accession in 2004. This funding has supported the creation of some 5,000 new jobs and 1600+ enterprises. This is hard evidence that strategic funding brings tangible economic progress. (Read more on Commissioner Ferreira's X thread)

What has Cohesion policy done for the Netherlands? (24/04/2024)

The Netherlands as both contributed and benefited from European integration since the very beginning as one of its founding members. Since 1989, €6,287 billion from Cohesion policy has supported the Dutch economy & businesses and helped shape regional innovation policy. (Read Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration: Highlights from the New European Bauhaus Festival and Prizes 2024 (16/04/2024)

From April 10 to 13, the New European Bauhaus Festival (NEB) reunited designers, architects, policymakers, and citizens in Brussels to think imagine a more sustainable and inclusive future. The festival's key attraction, the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024, celebrated 20 exceptional projects that are already making this future a reality.

Great success for the 9th edition of the Cohesion Forum (17/04/2024)

The Cohesion Forum has been a great success, attended by Presidents of EC, EP, CoR, and EESC, three Commissioners, Ministers, State Ministers, Regional Presidents, and hundreds of stakeholders and practitioners. Ahead of next week's Panorama feature about the Forum, take a look at the recording of the Forum. Read the speech of President von der Leyen. Commissioner Ferreira X account gives insights on what happened at the Forum.

Green mobility in Nantes receives boost thanks to EU support (17/04/2024)

The Sustainable Mobility Infrastructures for Low Emissions and qualitative Service (SMILES) project has officially started, with the objective of supporting improvements in the transport infrastructure of the French city of Nantes. SMILES 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 30 million. The grant complements a loan of EUR 200 million awarded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), bringing the total budget for the project to EUR 400 million.

Registrations open for the Technical Support Instruments Annual Conference 24-25 April (17/04/2024)

Join us on 24-25 April for an enriching experience featuring high-level speakers and participants from around the Union, including Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner Elisa Ferreira and Mario Nava, Director General DG REFORM. Together, we'll delve into impactful reforms across Member States.

The New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024 showcase sustainable, inclusive and beautiful projects all around Europe (17/04/2024)

Today, the Commission announced 20 laureates of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes 2024, for the fourth year in a row, organised with funding from the Cohesion Policy. These prizes reward outstanding projects and initiatives that combine sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics, demonstrating how the European Green Deal transition can practically enrich the lives of people and communities. The prizes are awarded in four categories and two strands: one for established projects (the “New European Bauhaus Champions”) and one for promising initiatives from younger applicants (the “New European Bauhaus Rising Stars”).

Keeping our promise to YOU! (16/04/2024)

Since 2019, the von der Leyen Commission has been working hard to support young people across the EU to help them thrive. They are the future leaders and contributors to our society! This brochure highlights the EU’s achievements in supporting youth related issues including, education, employment, health, and environmental initiatives since the start of the current European Commission mandate in 2019.

Get ready! The countdown to the 2024 European elections has begun (17/04/2024)

The 2024 European elections are fast approaching, and young people may have questions ahead of voting for the first time. Get the information you need to vote with this leaflet available in 24 languages, both online and to order in print. You’ll also find additional information on EU related opportunities available to young people to help them shape the Europe of the future.

Just Transition Platform Conference in Brussels discussed the impact of the Just Transition Fund in the EU regions (17/04/2024)

On the 15th of April, the 9th edition of the Just Transition Platform Conference kicks-off in Brussels. Organised by the Commission, the two-day event will gather more than 1,000 participants from EU regions benefitting from the Just Transition Fund (JTF), to discuss progress on the ground and to share best practices that have demonstrated their added value in the 96 just transition regions identified across the EU.

What has cohesion policy done for Croatia? (17/04/2024)

Croatia: the youngest Member State of the European Union! Since accession, Croatia benefited from 8.6 million euros in cohesion policy support for regional and social development and for competitiveness. Take a look at some tangible results for Croatians! (Read Commissioner's Ferreira entire thread on X).

What has cohesion policy done for Spain? (17/04/2024)

How is the Cohesion policy helping to make Spain more competitive, sustainable and inclusive? Since accession in 1986, Spain has received 156 billion € in Cohesion funds to support economic, social and territorial cohesion. (Read Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

The 9th Cohesion Report: Forging Europe's convergence (10/04/2024)

Ahead of the Cohesion Forum 2024, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, shares her perspectives on the pivotal 9th Cohesion Report. Watch the video interview to see Commissioner Ferreira’s take on the transformative impact of Cohesion Policy, its role in addressing Europe's challenges, and its future.

More than €10 million in Cohesion Funds to revamp metro and kick-start the first ‘circular economy' project in Athens (10/04/2024)

The Commission has approved an investment of more than €10 million from the Cohesion Fund for the refurbishment of 14 trains part of the Athens metro line, specifically line 1 running from the area of Piraeus to Kifissia. The investment kick-starts the first ‘circular economy' project in Athens, bringing new life to outdated trains and ensuring that existing materials are recycled, all the while providing local citizens with more reliable public transport and investing in green mobility in the city.

Macro-regional and sea-basin strategies hand in hand for maximum impact (10/04/2024)

In the heart of Brussels, a unique networking event is set to unfold, bringing together minds from over 30 countries, spanning the diverse landscapes of Europe. The Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days 2024, co-organized by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, promises an exclusive on-site experience at The Egg from June 12 to 14, 2024.

Regional convergence trends in the EU (10/04/2024)

The reduction in territorial disparities is a cornerstone of European Integration and dates back to the Treaty of Rome of 1957, which set the goal of “reducing the differences existing between the various regions and the backwardness of the less-favoured regions”. Cohesion policy is not only the most visible expression of EU solidarity but also a central pillar of its growth model.

Assessing territorial and local development strategies: SAVE THE DATE – 23 April (10/04/2024)

Integrated territorial development strategies foster sustainable, inclusive growth in non-urban settings, and a wealth of support opportunities is available under the EU Cohesion Policy (2021-2027).

Cities Forum 2025: the call for host city now open! (10/04/2024)

The upcoming 6th edition of the Cities Forum in 2025 is looking for a dynamic host city. This is a unique opportunity for cities to contribute to key discussions on the urban dimension of Cohesion Policy and to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable urban development. All interested EU cities are invited to apply.

Training opportunity for journalism students and young journalists to learn about all things Cohesion Policy (10/04/2024)

The Commission has officially launched the application period for the 8th edition of Youth4Regions, a programme targeting aspiring journalists. The programme provides journalism students and young journalists with a week of learning in Brussels in October 2024, where successful applicants will follow training sessions, receive mentorship from more experienced journalists and work with them in the press room, and will visit the various EU institutions and media organisations.

Lift off for the second edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival (10/04/2024)

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will today open the second edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival. The opening ceremony will bring together high-level speakers, including Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo; curators Elisa Ferreira and Iliana Ivanova; the Belgian Secretary of State for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investments, Thomas Dermine; and the Director General of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Hans-Joachim Schellnhuber. The event will take place on April 9 at 18:00 and will be streamed live on EbS.

b-solutions: new materials and ideas to solve border obstacles! (10/04/2024)

Discover real cases of cross-border obstacles and how local actors have faced them.

Towards a more risk-prepared Europe: check out the study! (10/04/2024)

Which risks particularly affect border regions, and how best to tackle them? A study on the available instruments and possible improvements is now available.

Smart Regions: Técnico Innovation Centre- How an old railway station transformed into a hub of knowledge and science (10/04/2024)

The “Técnico Innovation Centre” in Lisbon is an infrastructure for the development and transfer of technology, which rehabilitates and requalifies the old buildings left over from the Arco do Cego bus station.

What has cohesion policy done for France? (10/04/2024)

€ 50 billion is the amount that France has received from the Cohesion policy in 20 years. More than 160,000 companies – including 68,000 start-ups – have benefited from support from the European regional development fund for better access to financing and the market. (Read Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

What has cohesion policy done for Austria? (10/04/2024)

How is Cohesion policy helping Austria become more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive? € 4.3 billion in Cohesion funding contributed to regional development since 1995! (Read Commissioner's Ferreira entire thread on X)

Bridging the Digital Divide: Brittany's Leap Towards Universal High-Speed Broadband Access (03/04/2024)

On February 22, Brittany celebrated a key digital milestone, connecting 500,000 households and businesses to high-speed broadband, advancing towards EU digital goals. This "Bretagne Très Haut Débit" project, backed by EU funds, promises enhanced accessibility and economic growth. Designated as an Operation of Strategic Importance, it exemplifies the impactful integration of digital infrastructure within regional development, setting a new standard for digital inclusivity across Europe.

Less developed regions hold the key for Europe's energy transition (03/04/2024)

The EU has set itself the goal of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. To achieve this goal, we need to save energy, drastically increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, use energy more efficiently and increase carbon sinks.

Discover the cities awarded with the "EU Missione Label" (03/04/2024)

These cities have been awarded the EU Mission Label, that recognises their plans to achieve climate-neutrality by 2030! The label will help them get easier access to public and private funding to make it happen. Whether it's greening urban spaces, tackling air pollution, reducing energy consumption in buildings, or advancing clean mobility solutions: cities are often the hub of these changes. Discover the photo gallery and the full list on Instagram: @euinmyregion!

New cohort of beneficiaries of technical assistance under the Just Transition Platform (03/04/2024)

The Just Transition Platform announces the next cohort of beneficiaries for its technical assistance on the ground.

“Energy transition” and “technology in cities” are the topics of the upcoming European Urban Initiative call (03/04/2024)

The topics of the third call on innovative actions from the European Urban Initiative (EUI) are published. Urban authorities can start preparing their projects on ‘energy transition’ or ‘technology in cities’!

The European Urban Initiative launched a new call for Peer Reviews (27/03/2024)

If your city is looking into setting-up or improving its Sustainable Urban Development strategy, this call is for you! Embark in an enriching learning journey with like-minded people from around Europe with the goal to improve your strategy. You will get to exchange and receive personalised advice from urban practitioners via online interactions and a 2-day in person event. All under the careful support of European Urban Initiative experts. Two roles are possible, one application: City under Review and Peer Reviewers. Check more details here and join European Urban Initiative’s upcoming online event to learn more.

New Report on progress made on long-term vision for EU rural areas (03/04/2024)

EU rural areas are stronger, more connected, resilient and prosperous now than 3 years ago. Read more about it in the neww "Report on the long-term vision for EU's Rural areas". Out now!

Cohesion policy is narrowing development gaps: 9th Cohesion Report (27/03/2024)

Since 2004, cohesion policy has significantly reduced disparities in GDP and employment between the east and west of the EU, but challenges such as brain drain and development traps remain, the EU’s 9th Cohesion Report shows

PRESS RELEASE: 9th Cohesion Report (27/03/2024)

Today, 27 March, the Commission published its 9th Cohesion Report, showing that Cohesion policy is fulfilling its mission to narrow economic, social, and territorial disparities across the EU.

Commissioner Ferreira visits Greece to see the benefits of Cohesion policy on the ground (27/03/2024)

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira will embark on a three-day mission to Greece to visit Athens, Patras, Megalopolis and Tripolis, to see first-hand how Cohesion Policy is supporting these areas and specifically, how the Just Transition Fund is helping them make the transition to a net-zero economy in a fair and inclusive way.

ECOFLUV: Revolutionizing Urban Logistics with Zero-Emission Boats (27/03/2024)

On 19th March, ECOFLUV inaugurated “Evoli”, their zero-emission vessel. Since its establishment in 2021, ECOFLUV has emerged as an important player in the field of river transport, with a real commitment to energy transition. Its latest project, the design and construction of the zero-emission boat Evoli, perfectly exemplifies this dedication.

What has Cohesion policy done for Ireland? (27/03/2024)

After 50+ years in the EU, Ireland has benefitted from €20 billion in Cohesion policy support for economic development.Funding initially focused on major infrastructure projects: M1/M4 between Dublin and Galway, the Dublin Port Tunnel, water supply and wastewater treatment. (Read Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

What has Cohesion policy done for Greece? (27/03/2024)

Cohesion policy has walked hand in hand with Greece since its accession to the EU in 1981. A total €77 billion supported transformative projects across 🇬🇷, from infrastructure to innovation, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity. Have a look at some telling examples (Read Commissioner Ferreira's complete thread on X)

Territories in ACTION Live News (27/03/2024)

How to use local strengths to innovate and grow? Addressing complex challenges requires different tools, mindsets and approaches from those traditionally used.

10 EU regions selected as part of Pillar 2 of the Talent Booster Mechanism to help alleviate the effects of demographic change (27/03/2024)

Today, the European Commission has selected 10 EU regions - that are at risk of falling into a ‘talent development trap' - to receive tailored support as part of the Talent Booster Mechanism to help them mitigate the effects of demographic change and a departing younger population.

Smart Regions: Project “REDACt” prepares for a rapid earthquake response in the Black Sea (27/03/2024)

The EU-funded project “REDACt” (Rapid Earthquake Damage Consortium) helps countries bordering the Black Sea respond more efficiently to earthquakes.

Cohesion policy powers EU circular economy shift (20/03/2024)

With a € 12.5 billion investment for 2021-2027, cohesion policy is powering Europe’s transition to a circular economy and helping countries find innovative ways to boost their waste management for a cleaner and more competitive future focused on jobs and sustainability.

New cohesion policy: MEPs assess previous period and identify new priorities (20/03/2024)

MEPs assess previous period and identify new priorities. An own-initiative report on the implementation of the cohesion policy in 2014-2020 in member states was approved with 433 votes for, 36 against and 51 abstentions.

College members participate in the European Summit of Regions and Cities from 18-19 March in Mons, Belgium (20/03/2024)

From 18-19 March, Executive Vice-President Šefčovič, Vice-Presidents Věra Jourová, Dubravka Šuica and Margaritis Schinas, and Commissioners Nicolas Schmit, Elisa Ferreira, Helena Dalli, Ylva Johansson, Janez Lenarčič, Olivér Várhelyi and Iliana Ivanova will participate in the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities in Mons, Belgium.

THOREAQ: EU-funded innovation hub for construction sector unveiled (20/03/2024)

THOREAQ, an innovative laboratory and testing place for the construction sector, was inaugurated on 19 of March in Genk, Belgium. This initiative, a collaboration between VITO and EnergyVille, supported by EUR 630 850 from the European Regional Development Fund, marks a new step towards achieving the European Green Deal's objectives.

Innovative Implementation of the Partnership Principle in EU Cohesion Policy (20/03/2024)

Webinar on Institutionalising citizen participation and deliberation in European cohesion policy - call for expression of interest remains open.

What has Cohesion policy done for Poland? (20/03/2024)

In 2024, Poland celebrates 20 years of EU membership. €157 billion in CohesionPolicy funding during this period contributed to a remarkable economic success: 🇵🇱 GDP/head jumped from 51.5% of EU average to 79% (2022). Have a look at some more concrete benefits. (See Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

What has Cohesion policy done for Portugal? (20/03/2024)

Portugal benefitted from substantial economic support since accession to in 1986, thanks notably to #CohesionPolicy which helped to expand & modernise infrastructure, education, health, R&D, innovation, SMEs, professional training.(See Commissioner Ferreira's entire thread on X)

More than €66 million in Cohesion Policy funds supported the development of the world’s first bioclimatic airport terminal in La Réunion (20/03/2024)

Today marks the inauguration of a new terminal in the Roland Garros Airport in La Réunion, France, which means that the region is now home to the world’s first bioclimatic airport terminal. Thanks to more than €66 million in support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the 2014 – 2020 programming period, this investment will support local economic growth, improve connectivity to this EU outermost region, and has contributed to the decarbonisation of infrastructure.

Almost €39 million in Cohesion Funds to upgrade wastewater treatment in Velika Gorica, Croatia (20/03/2024)

Today, the European Commission has approved almost €39 million in financing from the Cohesion Fund to improve the wastewater collection and treatment system in Velika Gorica, Croatia, which will benefit both the local population and the environment. The project will receive an additional support of €11.3 million from the Cohesion Fund before its overall conclusion, scheduled for Spring 2027.

Social inclusion and education in Hungary: 1.3 million participants in the activities of Human Resources Development Programme (20/03/2024)

The closing event ceremony for the 2014-20 Human Resources Development Programme recently occurred. This programme not only financed social inclusion and educational projects but also supported the purchase over 12 million doses of COVID vaccines in Hungary

Join the 22nd edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities! Applications to become a partner are open until 2 April (13/03/2024)

We are looking forward to your application - follow the steps on EURegionsWeek 2024 how to apply to become a partner, there is time until 02 April 2024!

EU co-funded Digital Learning Campus revolutionises education in Schleswig-Holstein (13/03/2024)

Today, Schleswig-Holstein witnessed a ground-breaking transformation in education with the inauguration of its new Digital Learning Campus (DLC). This innovative initiative, one of Schleswig-Holstein’s Operations of Strategic Importance (OSI), brings together 12 universities with interdisciplinary consortia from various sectors, marking a significant leap towards the future of learning.

Map-based survey gives citizens a voice in public development projects (13/03/2024)

Discover the PARTIMAP initiative, supported by EU funding, and how it revolutionises public participation in urban development projects through innovative map-based surveys. Citizens have a new tool to collaborate with professionals to shape the future of their communities, fostering inclusive decision-making and transparent governance. Discover the challenges faced and future prospects of PARTIMAP, aiming to enhance community engagement and empower citizens in development processes.

The public vote for the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024 is now open (13/03/2024)

The public vote will remain open Until 27 March on the New European Bauhaus Prizes website where everyone can vote for their favourite project online.

Commission speeds up support to regions most affected by the transition to climate neutrality (13/03/2024)

The Commission has disbursed €5.9 billion in pre-financing under the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to European regions. This was enabled by the entry into force of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) initiative on 1 March, which aims to boost investments in critical technologies in Europe, leveraging and steering resources across various EU funding programmes.

What has Cohesion policy done for Slovenia? (13/03/2024)

How is #CohesionPolicy helping Slovenia become more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive? € 7.8 billion in Cohesion funding contributed to great achievements in 20 years of EU membership! (read Commissioner Elisa Ferreira complete thread on X/twitter)

What has Cohesion policy done for Romania? (13/03/2024)

Cohesion Policy support has played a big role in Romania’s spectacular transformation and the doubling of its GDP since EU accession in 2007. Romanian regions benefitted from € 44 billion from #Cohesion to become more competitive, inclusive & sustainable. (read Commissioner Ferreira thread on X/Twitter)

Smart Regions: EU-funded project “ReproUnion” tackles infertility (13/03/2024)

Reproductive challenges affect some 25% of couples in Scandinavia. An EU funded project is working to tackle this challenge.

New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024: The public vote for is now open! Cast your vote for your favourite project among the 50 finalists (06/03/2024)

The public vote will remain open Until 27 March on the New European Bauhaus Prizes website where everyone can vote for their favourite project online.

New EU toolkit provides focused support to rural areas 06 Mar 2024 (06/03/2024)

To ensure that Europe’s rural areas continue to provide Europeans with food, homes, jobs and other services, the EU has developed a Rural toolkit. Thanks to this new tool, local authorities, regions, businesses, and individuals can more easily access information on the different EU funding opportunities and take advantage of EU initiatives to improve the quality of life in their territories.

Poland's efforts to restore rule of law pave the way for accessing up to €137 billion in EU funds (06/03/2024)

Today, the European Commission has adopted two legal acts that will pave the way for Poland to access up to €137 billion in EU funding. These acts relate to the rule of law reforms that Poland has adopted and the more recent and immediate steps that it has taken to address the milestones to strengthen judicial independence.

Unveiling Unique Research Hub: Sofia's New Laboratory Complex Revolutionizing Infectious Disease and Immune Response Studies (06/03/2024)

A state-of-the-art laboratory complex dedicated to research on infections and immune responses has been inaugurated in Sofia on March 5, 2024. The Competence Center for Fundamental, Translational, and Clinical Research in Infections and Infectious Immunology unveiled its renovated facilities with an official ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the field.

Inauguration of the Vinjan Viaduct: A Significant Milestone in Slovenia's Divača-Koper Second Track Project (06/03/2024)

Wednesday 28 February marked a significant milestone in Slovenia's Divača-Koper second track project, with the inauguration of the Vinjan viaduct.

What has Cohesion policy done for Germany? (06/03/2024)

As the largest EU economy, Germany has both greatly contributed and benefitted from the internal market and EU funds! In Germany, over the last two decades, EU CohesionPolicy has supported: 30,150 enterprises and 89,355 full time new jobs. (Read Commissioner Elisa Ferreira's complete thread)

What has Cohesion policy done for Denmark (06/03/2024)

Since 1994, EUR 1 730 million from CohesionPolicy support have helped companies in #Denmark become more innovative, competitive and resilient. This includes 12 750 companies supported since 2007, of which 4 300 are startups. (read Commissioner Elisa Ferreira complete X thread)

EU Cohesion Policy: €125 million for the construction of the D1 Motorway in the Hubová – Ivachnová section in Slovakia (06/03/2024)

The European Commission has approved an investment of €125 million from the Cohesion Fund for the construction of a section of the D1 motorway between Hubová and Ivachnová in Slovakia.

Study on living conditions and access to selected basic needs in the EU outermost regions (06/03/2024)

DG REGIO has just published an independent study on people’s access to a selection of basic needs - housing, drinking water and sanitation, electricity, cooling and heating and internet and telephone connectivity - in the outermost regions.

Invitation to participate in the EU City Labs on Local Food Systems (06/03/2024)

In 2024, the URBACT programme and the European Urban Initiative join forces to co-organise three EU City Labs on Local Food Systems in an effort to facilitate the dialogue amongst European cities, increase their knowledge, and share good local practices on the topic.

High-Level Group Report Sets Blueprint for Future of EU Cohesion Policy (28/02/2024)

On the 20 of February, the High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion policy Report unveiled its final report containing strategies to address future challenges and adapting the Cohesion policy to ever-changing circumstances.

Communities for Climate: Local action to respond to climate change (28/02/2024)

Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality. Floods, fires, droughts, and the loss of biodiversity are impacting us, worldwide. To address this urgent issue, the European Commission is launching the Communities for Climate (C4C) pilot action.

Most EU regions record an increase in real GDP in 2022 (28/02/2024)

In 2022, real GDP increased in 231 out of 242 EU regions, while decreases were noted in 11 regions. The region with the largest growth in GDP volume was in Algarve in Portugal, with +17.0%.

Smart Regions: EU funds revitalize the medieval town of Ptuj in Slovenia (28/02/2024)

The ancient town of Ptuj, in northeastern Slovenia, has been transformed in recent years and is enjoying a new lease of life!

What has Cohesion policy done for Estonia? (28/02/2024)

Since joining the EU 20 years ago, Estonia received EUR 7.65 billion of Cohesion Policy funds. These funds supported 40,000+ projects to boost the balanced territorial development of Estonia.

What has Cohesion Policy done for Czechia? (28/02/2024)

Since joining the EU 20 years ago, Czechia benefitted from EUR 50 billion in Cohesion policy funding. This support helped propel GDP per capita to converge to 90% of EU average - with growth in regions like Jihomoravsky kraj & Vysocina surging from 70% to 85%.

Join the City-to-City Exchanges: online matchmaking event on 11 March 2024 (28/02/2024)

What about starting this spring with a boost of inspiration? Join the European Urban Initiative online event on 11 March 2024, 14:00-16:00, to learn about City-to-City Exchanges and find your match!

New call of C4T GROUNDWORK for the implementation of Policy Objective 2 (28/02/2024)

Apply now! Applications for the third call of C4T GROUNDWORK are now open.

Register now! Next Just Transition Platform Conference to take place on 16-18 April (28/02/2024)

Registrations are now open for the next Just Transition Platform Conference, which will be held in Brussels and online on 16-18 April 2024. This hybrid event will be co-hosted by DG REGIO and DG ENER.

Apply and help young people share their views on the future of cooperation! (28/02/2024)

The new Youth4cooperation call is now open for applications, deadline on 3 April 2024.

A more efficient and frequent rail service in Warsaw thanks to EU funds (28/02/2024)

Today, the Commission has approved an investment of more than EUR 425 million from the Cohesion Fund to finance the first stage of works to modernise the cross-city railway line between eastern and western Warsaw.

Report from experts on Cohesion Policy proposes ways to maximise the effectiveness and impact of Cohesion Policy in the future (21/02/2024)

Yesterday, the independent Group of High-Level Specialists on the Future of Cohesion Policy presented its report, which assessed the functioning of Cohesion Policy and included recommendations on how to ensure the Policy continues to promote prosperity and convergence across the EU.

What has Cohesion policy done for Finland? (21/02/2024)

Business support is at the heart of Cohesion Policy support in Finland. It has helped enterprises & start-ups develop their business through innovation, new business activities, services & products, & increased capacity to internationalise.

What has Cohesion policy done for Bulgaria? (21/02/2024)

Since joining the EU in 2007, Bulgaria benefitted from €13.5 billion from Cohesion policy support for economic development. This support helped Bulgaria's GDP per capita to converge towards the EU average, rising from 35% in 2004 to 60%.

New Croatian technology supports sustainable management of coastal areas (21/02/2024)

Croatia is better able to predict the impact of pollution and climate change on its coastline, and support sustainable management of these areas, thanks to a project that received Cohesion Policy support.

REGIOSTARS 2024 competition has been launched! (21/02/2024)

Projects can apply in one of the 5 competition categories, tied to the Cohesion policy objectives, via the competition platform by 31 May.

Apply now! Promoting the Energy Efficiency Transition of EU firms (21/02/2024)

The European Commission and the World Bank are launching a call to countries for identifying challenges firms face to improve energy efficiency and expanding areas of policy intervention.

Apply now! Three new calls for support services under the Just Transition Platform (21/02/2024)

The Just Transition Platform (JTP) has launched three calls for applications for new editions of support services provided under the Platform.

Good Governance for EU regional policy: registration is open (21/02/2024)

The 3rd series of events on ‘Good Governance for EU Regional Policy’ is ready and open for registration.

EU Cohesion policy helps Bulgaria strengthen climate risk prevention and emergency response (21/02/2024)

Last week, the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Interior signed the financing agreement for an emblematic EU co-financed project under the Programme Environment 2021-2027.

Tunnel Zheleznitsa inaugurated in Bulgaria: the longest and most modern road tunnel in the country built with EU funds (21/02/2024)

The longest and most modern road tunnel built so far in Bulgaria, tunnel Zheleznitsa, close to the city of Simitli, was inaugurated yesterday.

Usquare.brussels: Transforming former Barracks into a Sustainable and multicultural Hub in the Heart of Brussels (21/02/2024)

On February 15th, the Usquare.brussels project in Brussels has finally been inaugurated. The former National Gendarmerie Barracks in Brussels are undergoing a transformative redevelopment known as Usquare.brussels. This ambitious project co-financed by the EU focuses on creating a sustainable and cohesive living environment.

EUR 114 million for a new section of the S1 expressway in Poland (21/02/2024)

Last week, the European Commission has approved an investment of more than EUR 114 million from the Cohesion Fund for a new section of the S1 expressway between Kosztowy and Bielsko-Biała in Poland.

More than EUR 250 million in Cohesion Policy funds for a new electricity connection between Crete and Attica (21/02/2024)

More than EUR 250 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will finance the first stage of high-voltage electricity infrastructure between the island of Crete and the Attica region, located in mainland Greece.