Reflecting on progress and preparing for the future : an EU Cohesion Policy overview

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van der Valk, Odilia (2024) Reflecting on progress and preparing for the future : an EU Cohesion Policy overview. European Policies Research Centre.

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Abstract

As the final closure of the 2014-20 programmes draws near, attention has increasingly shifted towards the implementation of the 2021-27 programmes and the development of strategies for the post-2027 period. Managing Authorities face the complex challenge of ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while simultaneously addressing the issues that have arisen during implementation of the 2014-20 programmes. The introduction of the STEP regulation has provided essential extensions and flexibility, enabling the re-evaluation of projects and the fulfilment of outstanding obligations. Financial implementation progress of the 2021-27 programmes across all EU Member States has been relatively slow. Both external and internal challenges have impacted the implementation of these programmes in IQ-Net countries and regions. Despite this, programme authorities maintain a positive outlook regarding the current status of financial implementation, noting that the challenges and successes often vary based on the types of projects involved. Many programme authorities finalised their territorial instrument plans early in the 2021-27 programme period, resulting in limited progress over the past six months regarding Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) and Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). Although the Open Cohesion Data platform reports that only 26 percent of the financial resources have been allocated to selected projects, with a mere two percent of expenditure reported for the Just Transition Fund (JTF), IQ-Net programme authorities are generally positive about the fund. The introduction of STEP has alleviated some challenges associated with the JTF. Some IQ-Net programme authorities are engaged in ongoing discussions about the potential use of options under the STEP regulation for the 2021-27 period, while others have opted not to incorporate STEP into their programmes or only incorporate the regulation in JTF. Preparations for the next phase of Cohesion Policy have commenced at various levels, with multiple IQ-Net countries and regions advancing their internal discussions and positions on the future direction of Cohesion Policy.

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