Description
The Cohesion Fund provides financial assistance to EU member states whose Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is below 90% of the EU average to strengthen the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU.
level of support
National
type of funding
Grants, Loans
Funding amount
The Cohesion Fund budget for 2021 – 2027 is €46.7 billion. Project funding varies depending on the specific program and type of project being supported.
Eligibility criteria
For the 2021-2027 period, the Cohesion Fund concerns Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Application Process and Timeline
The Cohesion Fund finances programmes in shared responsibility between the European Commission and national and regional authorities in Member States. The Member States' administrations choose which projects to finance and take responsibility for day-to-day management. Applications for projects should support projects related to environment and transport in the less prosperous EU countries.
Evidence Of Success
A Cohesion Fund supported project is upgrading wastewater collection and treatment systems in and around Velika Gorica, Croatia. The project will help to ensure compliance with EU legislation for urban wastewater and water quality and quantity.
Expert Opinion
The Cohesion Fund is critical for supporting green infrastructure in regions that face economic challenges. By financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, it helps these regions and communities transition toward sustainable development, working closely with the ERDF and JTF for comprehensive support.
