The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on EU cohesion

The worst and most direct impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have been avoided by swift policy actions where Cohesion Policy played a role. The consequences of the pandemic have highlighted the risks of increasing inequalities. However, the rapid reaction of the public authorities mitigated the most direct and disastrous effects. The war in Ukraine and the repercussions on energy prices are exacerbating the vulnerabilities of local economies and social groups.