"RegioFlash" Newsletter Issues

Cohesion policy helps Europe take the lead in the digital age (14/02/2024)

One of the European Commission six priorities for 2019-2024 is to ensure that digital technology serves sustainable growth, improves quality of life and secures Europe’s leadership in the global economy. Cohesion policy is playing its part to make this happen.

Operations of strategic importance: update of the toolbox & new language versions (14/02/2024)

A new version of the “Communicating operations of strategic importance in 2021-2027: a practical toolbox” is published, together with translations to six EU languages.

What has Cohesion Policy done for Belgium? (14/02/2024)

Belgium 🇧🇪 has strongly contributed to the construction of the EU 🇪🇺 from the very first day. The EU, through #CohesionPolicy, has also greatly contributed to Belgium’s prosperity & well-being. read Commissioner Elisa Ferreira's full thread on X (Twitter).

What has Cohesion Policy done for Sweden? (14/02/2024)

Since Sweden joined the EU in 1995, €5.6 billion from Cohesion Policy supported the promotion of entrepreneurship and competitiveness via research and innovation. Read Commissioner Elisa Ferreira's thread on X (Twitter).

Commission signs €400 million agreement with Türkiye to support its recovery after the 2023 earthquakes (14/02/2024)

Last week, the Commission signed an agreement with Türkiye on a €400 million grant from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to finance post-disaster recovery operations after the devastating earthquakes that hit the country in early 2023.

The future of Cohesion Policy (14/02/2024)

The Group of high-Level specialists on the future of Cohesion Policy, set up by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira to reflect on the future of Cohesion Policy, will present its Final Report on 20 February 2024. The Report is the outcome of intense work by the Group throughout the last year, enriched by academic contributions, issue papers prepared by Commission services, and invaluable insights from stakeholders. It will contribute significantly to the ongoing reflections on the future of Cohesion Policy.

Smart Regions: Discover Europe's largest underwater telescope! (14/02/2024)

The IDMAR is Europe's largest underwater telescope, supported by the EU’s Cohesion policy with about €19 million.

Kohesio’s new feature: a look under the hood (07/02/2024)

The EU’s interactive archive of 1.9 million EU-funded projects rolls-out a new feature enabling managing authorities to make projects easier to understand and more accessible. Kohesio redefines engagement and closes the gap between EU funds and EU citizens

Commissioners Ferreira and Schmit participated in the informal General Affairs Council on Cohesion Policy, in Mons (07/02/2024)

Yesterday, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira and Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit participated in an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council on Cohesion Policy in Mons, Belgium.

First time ever revision of the EU long-term budget will help address the EU's main challenges (07/02/2024)

The European Commission welcomes the historic agreement of the European Council to for the first ever revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework's ceilings. Read the Council conclusions and the implications for Cohesion Policy.

EU budget's absorption under shared management - overview (07/02/2024)

This data story provides an overview of the EU budget's absorption under "shared management" programmes in terms of net EU payments by Fund and by Member State. It covers the 2014-2020 and the 2021-2027 programming periods respectively (also called Multiannual Financial Frameworks - MFF).

Bulgaria receives the first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service financed with EU funds (07/02/2024)

Last week, the Bulgarian authorities together with the European Commission representatives celebrated the delivery of the first Helicopter allowing for the functioning of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service to start in Bulgaria.

EU supports digital documentation of historical collection at Friedenstein Castle in Gotha, Germany (07/02/2024)

Thanks to EU co-financing of about EUR 14 million, the historical collection of the Friedenstein Castle Foundation Gotha is being digitally recorded.

New Amvrakia – Aktio Motorway improves connectivity and growth in Greece thanks to Cohesion Policy funds (07/02/2024)

Last week, the Amvrakia – Aktio motorway in Greece, a 48.5 km road connecting Aktio to the Ionian motorway around Lake Amvrakia, has been inaugurated. Initiated in March 2010 and co-financed by the Cohesion Fund, the project had a total budget of more than €220 million and marks a transformative step in fostering economic development, tourism growth, and enhancing general road safety across the region.

New UIB building an EU investment in future of Balearic Island education (07/02/2024)

The recently inaugurated "Margalida Comas i Camps" Health Sciences interdepartmental building at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) is an investment in the future of education in the region.

Apply now! Three new calls for support services under the Just Transition Platform (07/02/2024)

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

“Youth4Cooperation: the future of cooperation”, the new call for proposals to be published on February 22nd (07/02/2024)

Have you heard about the post-2027 consultation on Cohesion Policy? The European Commission wants to hear what young people have to say about it!

The EU Solidarity Fund: a commitment to help (31/01/2024)

Since 2002, the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) plays a crucial role in providing financial support for post-disaster recovery. It focuses on natural disasters, but since 2020 also on major public health emergencies.

"Let us change our thinking, change our cities, and so change Europe" says Commissioner Ferreira (31/01/2024)

Read the speech by Commissioner Elisa Ferreira at the High-level event of the Belgian Presidency on European Urban Policy.

EU and Bulgarian Southern regions celebrating the achievements of Urban Development and Sustainable Cities (31/01/2024)

On January 25, the Urban Development Funds and Sustainable Cities Fund for Sofia and South Bulgaria celebrated the successful completion of the first investment cycle, marking an important milestone in the sustainable urban development of Bulgarian cities at a closing ceremony held in Sofia.

Join the European Summit of Regions and Cities (31/01/2024)

In a few weeks only, the city of Mons will welcome the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities, on 18-19 March 2024, as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

How can cross-border disaster risk & crisis management enhance EU resilience? (31/01/2024)

Join us for the 16th edition of the Beyond Borders Breakfast Debate Series, where we will explore strategies to enhance disaster resilience and crisis management in EU border regions.

ARIEM+ emergency response project brings Spain and Portugal closer (24/01/2024)

Extreme weather events are becoming a regular phenomenon across Europe due to climate change, resulting in floods, wildfires, landslides, heavy storms and also drought. Being prepared and coordinating joint responses across borders can not only save lives, but also property and things that are dear to us.

Cohesion policy boosts high-performance computing capacities for R&D, innovation, business & IT infrastructures (24/01/2024)

The European Commission adopted an initiative to make supercomputers available to innovative start-ups to train AI models. Cohesion Policy has financed over 90 projects and activities in 9 countries for a total investment of over €270 million.

Launch of the Rural toolkit: register now (23/01/2024)

Plenty of EU funding and support initiatives are at hand for rural communities to develop their territories. The Rural toolkit is the new online guide to discover the most appropriate schemes and take full advantage of them! Join the launch on 6 February to learn more.

EUR 40 million allocated to the creation of new hospital in Évora, Portugal (23/01/2024)

More than EUR 40 million from the European Regional Development Fund will finance the construction of the new Alentejo Central Hospital in Évora, Portugal, to improve access to high-quality healthcare services for some 470 000 people living in the region.

Commission adopts decision to support Greece with EUR 25 million as an advance from the EU Solidarity Fund (23/01/2024)

Yesterday, the European Commission has approved an advancement payment of EUR 25 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to support Greece in addressing the extensive damages caused by the cyclone “Daniel” from 4 to 11 September 2023.

EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region contributes to the recovery of Ukraine (17/01/2024)

Contributing to the recovery of Ukraine is one of the priorities of the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region since 2022. Today, there are several initiatives regarding immediate support, sustainable rebuilding, and the road towards a full EU membership.

Cohesion Policy supports the employment of millions of people, improves energy efficiency, and protects citizens from natural climate disasters (17/01/2024)

The European Commission published its 2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), showcasing some of the overarching achievements of the ESI funds as things stood at the end of 2022.

The Festival of the New European Bauhaus is coming back in 2024 (17/01/2024)

Save the date! The Festival of the New European Bauhaus is coming back for its second edition on 9-14 April 2024 in the Parc du Cinquantenaire and the Arts &History Museum in Brussels. Registrations will open on 18 February 2024.

Commissioner Ferreira inaugurated Tournai Xpo, Belgium (17/01/2024)

Commissioner Elisa Ferreira attended the inauguration of Tournai Xpo, in Belgium. A flagship initiative funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project received over EUR 6 million in investment, contributing to the revitalization of Tournai's urban landscape.

Apply to the call for Innovation Transfer Networks (17/01/2024)

URBACT has just launched a Call for Innovation Transfer Networks, an outstanding opportunity for European cities to transfer and adapt in their local contexts an innovative project funded under the Urban Innovative Actions.

High-level group ensures that Cohesion Policy stays focused on development: discussion with Prof. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose (10/01/2024)

The findings of the high-level group on the future of Cohesion Policy will be released in early 2024. Panorama spoke to the group’s chair, Prof. Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, about ensuring that the policy can help all EU regions realise their full potential and contribute to a united and prosperous EU.

The cumulative achievements of the 2014-2020 programmes are published (10/01/2024)

The cumulative achievements of the 2014-2020 programmes reported by the Member states until end 2022 were published last month on Cohesion Open Data. Check the full list of achievement values (common indicators).

The cities at the forefront of Europe’s move to fossil-free district heating (10/01/2024)

The need to replace Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels with renewable energy sources has never been more urgent. With the help of EU funds, Szeged (Hungary) and Salaspils (Latvia) switched their district heating systems to geothermal and solar energy.

S3 CoP Observatory - discover the brand-new tool (10/01/2024)

This tool offers a comprehensive overview of S3s across the EU. The project team identified Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) priorities directly from regions' and member states' S3 documents and deployed tools from Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI and entity extraction and disambiguation for automatic topic tagging and classification.

Video: Wrapping up the 2014 round of Cohesion Policy programs (10/01/2024)

Explore the transformative impact of these funds on EU regions and cities, fostering fresh investments, advancing territorial convergence, enhancing key sectors like transport and health, and elevating the overall quality of public services.

Putting the EU and cohesion policy in context (03/01/2024)

‘EUR 32.4 billion in resources from the development and cohesion fund will go to Italy’s regions and autonomous provinces for the 2021-27 programming period.’ Thus reads the tagline on the screen in my waiting room at Marco Polo Venice Airport.

New European Bauhaus Academy to build skills for sustainable construction with innovative materials (20/12/2023)

The NEB Academy, a training network first announced by President von der Leyen in Finland in November 2022, will aim to give a decisive push for new skills and education across all levels of the construction sector.

The preliminary results of the European Parliament study on "Absorption Rates of Cohesion Policy Funds" are out (20/12/2023)

The study uses Cohesion OpenData and case studies to understand the trends and drivers of absorption of 2014-2020.

Innovative Implementation of the Partnership Principle in EU Cohesion Policy (03/01/2024)

The region of Normandie and Relais Culture Europe will test a deliberative process to propose collective recommendations on how to better sustain the potential of cultural spaces. The call for expression of interest remains open until 31 March 2024.

EU supports just climate transition in Bulgaria with a budget of €1.2 billion (03/01/2024)

Bulgaria will receive €1.2 billion from the Just Transition Fund (JTF), following the adoption of Bulgaria's Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) by the European Commission.

Clean and Circle: Inaugurating a Hub for Sustainable Innovation (03/01/2024)

On December 21, 2023, Sofia witnessed a milestone in environmental sustainability with the inauguration of the Clean and Circle Centre of Competence.

Citizens’ engagement: A deep dive into Banská Bystrica’s Ideathon initiative (20/12/2023)

In this interview, we exchange with Ms Kariková Soňa, the person behind Banská Bystrica’s innovative Ideathon. As the coordinator for Open Government, Ms Kariková led the Slovakian city’s collaboration with the DG REGIO/OECD programme, to involve citizens in shaping the Integrated Territorial Strategy (ITS) for 2021-2027.

Cohesion – bonds that transcend time (20/12/2023)

EU Cohesion Policy is one thing. The act of cohesion is another. However, both have the same principles and outcomes.

Interreg programmes amended to increase funding and scope for cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova (20/12/2023)

As an additional response to EU support to Ukraine and Moldova, the European Commission modified eight Interreg programmes. The modification adds an extra EUR 135 million which will support new cooperation activities in cross-border and transnational programmes with Ukraine and Moldova.

Participation of the European Commission to the COP 28 Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and climate change (20/12/2023)

On 6 December 2023, a delegation from DG REGIO actively participated in the Second Edition of the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change organized by UN Habitat the COP28 Presidency at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 28 in Dubai.

JTP Groundwork delivered technical assistance in Latvia (20/12/2023)

In 2023, the European Commission launched JTP GROUNDWORK, a technical assistance tool under the Just Transition Platform (JTP). Six beneficiaries – covering nine JTF regions – are currently receiving support from the first call of JTP GROUNDWORK, including the Vidzeme and Latgale regions in Latvia.

JTP GROUNDWORK Event: Sustainable Economic Opportunities in the Jiu Conurbation (20/12/2023)

A conference on "Sustainable Economic Opportunities in the Jiu Conurbation" was held on 13-15 December 2023, in Petroșani, Hunedoara, Romania. The conference concluded the technical assistance provided to Jiu Conurbation region through the Just Transition Platform Groundwork programme, which supports regions t to implement the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

23 new electric trains to improve transport in Latvia thanks to Cohesion Policy funds (20/12/2023)

Last week, a major revamp of Latvia’s rail service was inaugurated with the first of 23 new electric trains commencing its passenger service in Riga and its surrounding regional network.

Scaling up skills: call to identify real life examples of how skills projects help people (20/12/2023)

In the European Year of Skills we are gearing up for an exciting new venture that draws attention to the real-life impact of the Year and your initiatives! "Real People, Real Skills" - a campaign that celebrates the stories of individuals who've reshaped their careers and lives through upskilling and reskilling programmes.

EU addresses ‘talent development trap’ in new call for regions to harness existing talent (20/12/2023)

The Commission will offer 10 EU regions technical assistance to help them attract, retain and develop talent.

Europeans give city living the thumbs up (13/12/2023)

Almost nine out of 10 Europeans are satisfied with life in their cities, and policymakers and leaders need to continue ensuring that residents have access to job opportunities, good public services like transport and administration, and housing, according to the Report on the Quality of Life in European Cities 2023, released today.

Building trust and discovering cohesion policy at Youth4Regions (13/12/2023)

The glass doors of the Hilton let us in one by one. Thirty-eight young people filled the rooms, a little scared and excited at the same time. There was a buzz of different languages in the air: the Italians spoke with emotion, using their gestures as punctuation. French, Greek, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and many other languages echoed from the corners of the room. English united us all, building bridges between people who would never have met in other circumstances.

Commission proposal to strengthen the Single Market by tackling legal and administrative obstacles in Europe’s cross-border regions (13/12/2023)

Yesterday 12 of December, the Commission has adopted an amended proposal for a ‘Regulation on Facilitating Cross-Border Solutions’ in order to help Member States resolve obstacles that are impacting the daily lives of the 150 million European citizens living in Europe’s cross-border regions.

JTP Groundwork event in Region Västerbotten, Sweden explores how to attract workers for growing green economy investments (13/12/2023)

The European Commission recently launched JTP GROUNDWORK, a new technical assistance facility, aiming to support eligible Just Transition Fund (JTF) regions to implement their Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTP). Six beneficiaries – covering nine JTF regions – are currently receiving support from the first call of JTP GROUNDWORK, including Region Västerbotten in Sweden.

Celebrating the key Achievements of the Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020 in Bulgaria (13/12/2023)

Last 8th of December was the day to celebrate the meaningful achievements of the territorial programme in Bulgaria, making a difference for all Bulgarian citizens, wherever they live across the country.

New EU-funded research centre in Bulgaria contributes to the clean energy transition (13/12/2023)

Today, the European Commission and the Bulgarian Government inaugurated the National Centre of Mechatronics and Clean Technologies located at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Smart Regions: Ecovillage Boekel shows how communities can become more resilient to climate change (13/12/2023)

Boekel is a self-sufficient eco-village with climate-positive houses made of sustainable material (such as hemp) and a testing ground for all kind of innovations such as the César heating system.

Spotlight on European Broadband Awards 2023: ERDF-Funded Projects Pave the Way for Digital Connectivity (06/12/2023)

Delve into the transformative world of Europe's digital connectivity through the lens of the European Broadband Awards 2023. Discover how ERDF-funded projects are bridging the digital divide, propelling rural areas into a future of technological advancement, economic vitality, and societal inclusivity

Youth4Regions series - ep. 1: How horrific contrasts can be a lesson in journalism (06/12/2023)

On 7 October 2023, fighters of the Islamist terror group Hamas breached the border defenses separating the Gaza strip and southern Israel. There they would stay for more than a day before the Israeli security services drove them back to Gaza. In their wake, they left carnage.

The conclusions of the General Affairs Council on the future of cohesion policy (06/12/2023)

Important Council conclusions on future of Cohesion policy: -key pillar of the EU -improving well-being & levelling playing field -place-based policies -do no harm to Cohesion’ principle -challenges & development traps -simplification & modernisation

EU Solidarity Fund grants €100 million of advance payment to Slovenia following the summer floods (06/12/2023)

The Commission has approved an advance payment of €100 million to Slovenia under the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), to ease the financial burden of reconstruction efforts after the damage caused by the devastating floods that took place in the country in August 2023.

Almost €34 million in European Solidarity Funds awarded to Romania to repair damages caused by severe drought in 2022 (06/12/2023)

The Commission has approved €33.9 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support Romania in addressing the extensive damages caused by droughts and wildfires in 2022.

Almost €21 million in European Solidarity Funds awarded to the Marche region in Italy to repair damages caused by the severe flooding in 2022 (06/12/2023)

Yesterday 5th of December, the Commission has approved €20.9 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support the Marche region in Italy in addressing the extensive damages caused by the rainfall and floods in September 2022.

European Commission's Smart Specialisation (S3) Forum 2023: A Resounding Success for Regional Innovation (06/12/2023)

The Smart Specialisation (S3) Forum 2023, organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy in collaboration with the Generalitat de Catalunya and the S3 Community of Practice Secretariat, concluded with resounding success on November 29, 2023.

The results of the “EUSALP Pitch Your Project” 2023 (06/12/2023)

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Strasbourg, the final of the "PITCH YOUR PROJECT" competition took place. An event co-organized by the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Grand Est regions as part of the European Union Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), in the presence of Marie-Guite Dufay, President of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region.

Inauguration of Spanish rail connection ‘Variante de Pajares’ thanks to Cohesion Policy funds and other EU support (06/12/2023)

Last week saw the inauguration of the Spanish rail connection, ‘Variante de Pajares’, running from La Robla in Castilla y León to Lena in Asturias, marks the end of an important project which saw the construction of a high-speed railway line stretching across 49.7km.

Launch of the 2023 report on the quality of life in European cities (06/12/2023)

Which city in Europe has the best quality of life, according to its citizens? Which city is the cleanest or the safest, or the most inclusive? In which city is it easier to find a good job or an affordable house? Answers to these questions – and many others - will be provided at the launch event of the report which will take place in the Charlemagne Building, from 09:30 to 13:00. Register before 8 December to attend, either in person or online.

Regions and cities set out building blocks for a reformed Cohesion Policy post-2027 (06/12/2023)

Local and regional leaders put forward their key requests on how to make EU's regional policy more flexible, robust and for all territories in the coming decade.

Applications now open for journalists and content creators wishing to learn more about all things Cohesion Policy (06/12/2023)

If so, you are invited to apply for the 2024 edition of the Commission’s #EUinMyRegion media trip programme. The call is open till Monday, 8 January 2024, at 17:00 CET. The programme is open to regional & local journalists and content creators in the EU and includes a two-day study trip to Brussels.

TerritoriALL 11: Thriving Regions, Stronger Together (06/12/2023)

Under the slogan “Thriving regions, stronger Europe”, the 21st edition of the EURegionsWeek hosted over 7.500 participants from all over Europe focused on the achievements of Cohesion Policy and other EU funded instruments. This issue of ESPON magazine focuses on the main takeaways of the week's sessions and their potential impact on policymaking for people and places in Europe.