Cohesion Policy funding in 2021-2027 is expected to support the creation of 1.3 million jobs, and to increase the EU's GDP by 0.5% on average by the end of the decade, and up to 4% in some Member States. It will also help deliver many common public goods, providing tangible and concrete benefits to European citizens, regions and cities. These are some of the conclusions of a report on the outcome of the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy programming.
To make this happen, Cohesion Policy will unleash a total volume of investments of €545 billion during this period, of which €378 billion are funded by the EU. These investments will promote lasting socio-economic convergence, territorial cohesion, a social and inclusive Europe and a smooth and fair green and digital transition.
Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights said: „Cohesion Policy is what brings all regions of the European Union closer together. It helps us build a more social and inclusive Europe. It invests in people: in digital equipment for schools, in long-term care for vulnerable people, and in integrating marginalised groups into society, and in helping people into work. We should all be proud of what the cohesion funds make possible every day all across Europe”.
Cohesion Policy strongly supports research and innovation and addresses the digital divide. For example, 83,000 researchers will have access to improved research facilities while 725,000 companies will be supported for innovation and smart growth.
The Policy aims to support the modernisation and digitisation of public services (involving 22,500 public administrations) and the digital transformation of businesses. It is also supporting the development of digital skills and infrastructure, including through the connection of 3.1 million households to high-speed mobile networks and fixed digital infrastructure.
Green investments in climate mitigation and adaptation are focussing on the objectives of the European Green Deal to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050.
To support climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, the Policy will support the building of 229,000 hectares of new green infrastructure.
Sustainable urban mobility will also be supported by including 1,230 km of new and modernised tram and metro lines, and 12,200 km of cycling infrastructure.
Clean water and improved wastewater infrastructure will reach 16.4 million people through Cohesion investments.
To ensure social and inclusive growth, and in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights, Cohesion funds support people, including in their professional lives. This includes the development of skills and lifelong learning – crucial priorities in this European Year of Skills – of at least 6.5 million unemployed people. This will help reach the 2030 EU target of at least 60% of all adults participating in training every year.
A particular focus is given to improving the integration and inclusion of more than 3 million people, including 600,000 people in marginalised groups such as Roma. The funds will also support 1.7 million pupils in primary and secondary education, while almost 3.5 million people are expected to study in new or modernised education facilities.
Cohesion Policy is the main long-term investment instrument in the EU. It contributes to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU, corrects imbalances between countries and regions and delivers on the Union's political priorities.
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