Cohesion Policy targets all regions and cities in the European Union in order to support:
In order to reach these goals and address the diverse development needs in all EU regions, € 392 billion – almost a third of the total EU budget – has been set aside for Cohesion Policy for the period 2021-2027.
Cohesion Policy is delivered through specific funds:
In detail: 2021-2027 Cohesion policy EU budget allocations
Cohesion policy help to deliver many EU policy objectives. It complements EU policies such as those dealing with:
The projects financed in the regions and cities contribute to the goals of the Commission priorities, notably:
Cohesion policy provides special care and investment tools to territories to address specific issues:
The bulk of Cohesion Policy funding is concentrated on less developed European countries and regions in order to help them to catch up and to reduce the economic, social and territorial disparities that still exist within the EU.
The Just Transition Fund alleviates the socio-economic costs triggered by the climate transition. It supports the economic diversification and reconversion of the territories concerned, and helps people to adapt in a changing labour market.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economic situation of EU regions is addressed by REACT-EU, the Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe.
The EU goal of Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion is defined in articles 174 to 178 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Cohesion Policy legislation 2021-2027
Regional Policy is delivered through two main funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF).
Together with the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), they make up the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds.
