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While each macro-regional strategy is unique in terms of the countries it brings together and the scope of its policies, they all share a common aim: to ensure a coordinated approach to issues that are best tackled together. Building on the success of the pioneering 2009 European Union strategy for the Baltic Sea region, this form of cooperation has since become firmly embedded in the EU's institutional framework, with four strategies now in place, covering 19 Member States and 10 non-EU countries ...

The implementation timetable for cohesion policy is defined largely by its legislative framework. In order to be able to plan parliamentary work and exercise systematic scrutiny of policy implementation and of the Commission’s work, it is essential to have an overview of the timing of different steps in policy implementation in the coming years. This type of briefing was first published (and subsequently updated) in 2014 covering the 2014-2020 programming period. This version includes the policy ...

Often isolated, and with generally poorer access to public services, the EU's border regions face a unique set of challenges. This has been recognised under Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which provides that particular attention should be paid to cross-border regions when developing action to strengthen the EU's economic, social and territorial cohesion. Yet while the EU has provided significant support over the years, particularly within the framework of European ...

As the EU’s main investment policy, Cohesion Policy can play a key role in promoting health and in reducing health inequalities. This briefing reviews the role of Cohesion Policy with regard to health in the 2014-2020 period and explores the prospects and challenges that lie ahead. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change, in 2019 the EU adopted an ambitious strategy for reaching climate neutrality by 2050: the European Green Deal. The significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions needed to achieve it will require profound social and economic changes, while ensuring a socially fair and just transition. As climate change is linked to the greenhouse effect, the EU's actions for reducing emissions involve greening high-emissions sectors such ...

On 3 September 2020, the European Commission published its 31st annual report on the fight against fraud affecting EU financial interests, covering the year 2019. In total, 11 726 irregularities were reported to the Commission, 2 % fewer than in 2018. They involved approximately €1.6 billion, 34 % less than in the previous year. Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control has adopted a report on the Commission's annual report, which is due to be discussed and voted during the July plenary session ...

The public sector loan facility (PSLF) is the third pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism, along with the Just Transition Fund and just transition scheme under InvestEU. The PSLF consists of a grant and a loan component. With the contribution of €1.525 billion for the grant component from the Union budget and European Investment Bank lending of €10 billion from its own resources, the aim is to mobilise between €25 and 30 billion in public investment over the 2021-2027 period (in 2018 prices). Funding ...

In the context of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and the cohesion policy package for the same period, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation on the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund on 29 May 2018. The proposed regulation lays down the rules for the implementation of these funds, including thematic concentration requirements and eligible activities. The European Parliament is due to vote at second reading during the June II plenary session ...

In the context of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Commission adopted a proposal for the Common Provisions Regulation, which sets out common rules for eight EU funds: the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Just Transition Fund, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund, and the Border Management and Visa Instrument. The European ...

Better known as Interreg, European territorial cooperation is one of the most visible examples of how EU Member States can work together for the common good. Gradually growing in importance since its creation 30 years ago, its budget has increased tenfold in this period, with ETC acquiring its own regulation for 2014-2020. The proposal for a new ETC regulation is part of the post 2020 cohesion package, with the European Parliament expected to vote at second reading at its June II plenary session ...