New Cohesion Policy 2021-2027

EU Cohesion Policy contributes to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union.
It aims to correct imbalances between countries and regions. It delivers on the Union’s political priorities, especially the green and digital transition.
In order to reach these goals and address the diverse development needs in all EU regions, € 392 billion – almost a third of the total EU budget has been set aside for Cohesion Policy for 2021-2027.

Priorities for 2021-2027

In 2021-2027 EU cohesion policy has set a shorter, modern menu of 5 policy objectives supporting growth for the period 2021-2027.

The Joint Action Plan includes actions on:

1. A more competitive and smarter Europe
2. A greener, low carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy
3. A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility
4. A more social and inclusive Europe
5. Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union by correcting imbalances between its regions. In 2021-2027 it will enable investments in a smarter, greener, more connected and more social Europe that is closer to its citizens.

The new 2021-2027 ERDF programme in BCR

The partnership agreement

In Belgium, the regions and communities, as managing authorities, define the multi-annual programmes based on the reality of the regional territories. 
In the framework of the cohesion policy and in cooperation with the Commission, each Member State must draw up a partnership agreement. For Belgium, this partnership agreement was signed on 14 December 2022. Focused on EU priorities, it sets out the strategy and detailed investment priorities for the structural funds in the regions and communities. 
Belgium will receive a total of nearly €3 billion in cohesion policy funds in 2021-2027 to accelerate its green and digital transition and support the development of a competitive, innovative and inclusive economy.

The draft 2021-2027 ERDF Programme

The steps in writing the programme

Between March and December 2021, the ERDF department worked on writing a preliminary draft programme, setting out an effective strategy for the use of financial resources, describing the operations to be supported, the developments targeted, and the measurable results that the funding should generate.
Great attention has therefore been paid to the description of the actions that the Programme will have to implement.

On 3 February, the Brussels Government approved the preliminary draft ERDF programme incorporating these various strategic data (and diagnostic elements). The preliminary draft was subject to a public enquiry and to a consultation with partners (advisory boards, etc.).  In July 2022, the draft programme passed its second reading by the BCRG. In September 2022, the ERDF programme was then submitted to the European Commission for adoption.

An investment programme supporting nine specific priority objectives

Each specific objective is linked to various actions that will be the subject of thematic calls for projects. 
Unlike with the previous programme, several calls for projects will be launched throughout 2023.

LAUNCH OF THE 2021-2027 PROGRAMME AT THE FACULTY

On 23 November 2022, 150 guests participated in the launch of the 2021-2027 ERDF programme, with a presentation of the main aspects of the new programme, followed by a networking lunch.
An opportunity for the many participants to understand the outline of the new programme and share their experiences.

It should be noted that in October 2022, the ERDF department organised a first information session on calls for projects concerning the financing of community facilities under sustainable neighbourhood contracts or urban renewal contracts, calls for projects that fall under the objective “a Europe closer to citizens“.