The Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 focuses on supporting EU regions through a variety of funds, aligning with five key objectives that aim to address economic, social, and territorial cohesion. These funds include the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the Cohesion Fund, and the Just Transition Fund (JTF).

Five main Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 Objectives: 1) a more competitive and smarter Europe. 2) a greener, low carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy. 3) a more connected Europe by enhancing mobility. 4) a more social and inclusive Europe. 5) Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories.

Funds priorities: 1) The European Regional Development Fund will support investments all 5 policy objectives, but 1 and 2 are the main priorities. 2) The European Social Fund+ main priority is 4. 3) The Cohesion Fund supports policy objectives 2 and 3. 4) The Just Transition Fund provides support under dedicated specific objectives (art. 8 of JTF regulation).

These funds play a vital role in fostering regional and local development, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion across Europe.

EU-wide

Grants, Loans

EU funds allocated to Cohesion Policy amount to EUR 392 billion (initial allocations before any transfer of resources) for 2021 – 2027. With the national co-financing, about half a trillion euro will be available to finance the programmes in the EU regions and countries. Project funding varies depending on the specific program and type of project being supported.

Open to EU member states, regional governments, public-private partnerships, and energy cooperatives focused on implementing projects addressing economic, social and territorial cohesion.

The Cohesion Policy Funds 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 economic, social and territorial cohesion.

Thanks to the adoption of the Cohesion Policy Partnership Agreement between the Commission and Italy, Italy will receive €42.7 billion from the EU in 2021-2027 to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, with a particular focus on the Southern regions.

The Cohesion Policy Funds are vital for energy communities because they support renewable energy projects, promote social inclusion, and drive the green transition. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) finances clean energy infrastructure, while the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) helps tackle energy poverty by supporting vulnerable households. The Cohesion Fund aids communities in transitioning to low-carbon energy, and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) assists regions affected by the shift away from fossil fuels, creating green jobs. These funds enable energy communities to lead the EU’s energy transition.

Do you want to know more about this resource?