Future of EU Cohesion Policy
Future of EU Cohesion Policy
Multiannual Financial Framework
At the end of June 2011, the European Commission published its proposals for the Multiannual Financial Framework covering the period 2014-2020, along with a series of documents providing specific details of the proposed EU Budget. The Commission proposes to allocate €376 billion for Cohesion Policy instruments for 2014-2020, comprising:
• €162.6 billion for convergence regions
• €38.9 billion for transition regions
• €53.1 billion for competitiveness regions
• €11.7 billion for territorial co-operation
• €68.7 billion for the Cohesion Fund
It also includes €40 billion for a new Connecting Europe facility designed to boost investment in transport, energy and information communication technologies.
The European Social Fund will represent at least 25% of the cohesion envelope, not taking into account the Connecting Europe facility, i.e. €84 billion.
The other main elements of the proposed Multi-annual Financial Framework in the area of cohesion policy are:
• The other main elements of the proposed Multi-annual Financial Framework in the area of cohesion policy are:
• Reinforced focus on results and effectiveness, with a systematic link between cohesion policy and the Europe 2020 strategy
• New conditionality provisions to ensure that funds are used to meet the Europe 2020 objectives, affecting both the initial allocation of funds and the release of additional funds
• The introduction of a new 'transition region' category including regions with a GDP per capita of 75-90% of the EU-27 average
• Measures to improve the absorption of funds by Member States
Further information can be found on the Multiannual Financial Framework website .
European Commission 5th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion
The European Commission's Fifth Report on economic, social and territorial cohesion was published on 10 November. It shows that the EU's Cohesion Policy has made a significant contribution to growth and prosperity and promoting balanced development across the Union. However, in the wake of massive economic and social upheavals over recent years, the policy now needs to adapt to address new challenges, including aligning future Cohesion Policy with Europe 2020 .
The Report is available for download from DG Regio's website.
Results of Public Consultation on 5th Cohesion Report
DG Regio has published a Commission Staff Working Paper on the results of the public consultation of the 5th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion. This Paper reflects the contributions made by individuals, academics and institutions, economic and social partners, civil society organisations, EU institutions, the private sector, regional and local authorities, national governments and public bodies. Contributors expressed their views on ways to enhance the added value of Cohesion Policy, as well as on ways to strengthen governance and to streamline the delivery system of Cohesion Policy. Respondents also gave their opinions on the future architecture of Cohesion Policy for the next programming period. Cohesion Policy Event - May 2011
Download presentations from the Scotland Europa Cohesion Policy Event held in Edinburgh on 25 May 2011
Presentation from Rachel Lancry, DG Regio, European Commission
Presentation from Shane Rankin, Head of European Structural Funds Division, Scottish Government
