Regional policy touches all parts of the EU, and at all levels - from the EU-wide and national scale, to Europe's regions and local communities. It is part of the EU cohesion policy, the European Union's strategy to promote and support the overall harmonious development of its Member States and Regions. The policy is implemented by national and regional bodies in partnership with the European Commission.
The cohesion policy framework is established for a period of 7 years.
Implementation of the policy follows these stages: