Highlights

A European Regional Development Fund project:
an experimental power plant
on Pico Island, the Azores, Portugal,
to harness renewable, clean energy from the sea
© European Union, 2011

Under its cohesion policy, the EU works to help its poorer regions to catch up with the more affluent ones. On 16 December, the General Affairs Council issued guidance for negotiations on rules for future policy.

Cohesion policy co-finances infrastructure projects, develops the information society and helps citizens acquire new skills, to name just a few examples. Particular attention is paid to rural development, areas undergoing industrial transition, and regions that suffer from natural or demographic handicaps.

The current rules for cohesion policy will expire in 2013, so discussions are underway in the Council on the legislative package for the 2014-2020 financing period. According to a report by the Polish Presidency of the Council, most member states regard the Commission's proposals as a good starting point for the negotiations. The debate on Friday was held on the basis of a questionnaire drawn up by the Presidency.

Support for cohesion policy is channelled mainly through various funds managed by the member states and the Commission. To create a more integrated approach, the Commission proposes to have common provisions for the following five funds:

- European Regional Development Fund
- European Social Fund
- Cohesion Fund
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
- European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (a new fund to replace the European Fisheries Fund).

With a view to maximising impact in delivering on the EU's political priorities, the proposals suggest linking cohesion policy with the Europe 2020 strategy for growth and jobs.

Less developed regions - those with a GDP per capita less than 75% of the average for the Union as a whole - are to remain an important priority.

Final adoption of the legislation will require approval by the Council and the European Parliament.

Council links:
Press release (pdf)
Council debate webcast
Press conference webcast

Other EU links:
EU regional policy (portal website)
5th Cohesion Report - includes analysis of regional disparities, impact of cohesion policy, etc.
European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation - cooperation structure for public entities in different member states with a view to strengthening economic and social cohesion