European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (2021–2027) Open
The regulation on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund provides the legal framework to strengthen regional competitiveness and address structural policy challenges in EU regions. Its goal is to balance disparities and promote economic, territorial, and social cohesion within the European Union. This is a framework regulation and not a direct funding program in the sense of calls for proposals.
Who is supported?
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund aim to strengthen the economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the European Union. Funding is primarily directed at Member States, which disburse funds through national or regional operational programmes to various actors such as businesses (especially SMEs), public institutions, and municipalities.
What is supported?
Funding through the ERDF and Cohesion Fund covers a wide range of investments and activities aimed at strengthening regional competitiveness, economic transformation, and environmental and social objectives in the EU. This includes infrastructure, applied research, digitalisation, and support for SMEs, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Type and Scope of Funding
The ERDF and Cohesion Fund Regulation establishes the framework for financial support in the EU, primarily through grants. The amount of specific funding depends on the national and regional operational programmes that implement these funds. The thematic concentration of funds is a central element here.
Conditions and Requirements
The implementation of the ERDF and Cohesion Fund takes place in compliance with specific legal and thematic concentration requirements. Member States must prepare operational programmes that meet the funding objectives. There are also clear exclusions for certain sectors or activities to ensure alignment with sustainable and future-proof projects.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for ERDF and Cohesion Fund resources is decentralised. Interested parties must contact the respective national or regional managing authorities, which draw up their own operational programmes and funding guidelines based on the EU regulation. The European Commission also publishes direct calls for tenders.
Legal Basis
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund are established by a specific EU regulation that governs their objectives, scope, and thematic concentration of support. This regulation forms the overarching legal framework for co-financing national and regional programmes in the Member States.
Funding Overview
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
European Union (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden)
Sectors:
Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Research and Development, Green Technology, Environmental and Climate Protection, Renewable Energy, Energy Production and Supply, Water and Waste Management, Transportation and Logistics, Healthcare, Education and Vocational Training, Social Enterprises, Tourism, Creative Industries, Cultural Institutions
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Product Development, Commercialization, Scaling, Planning, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns, Evaluation, Infrastructure
Funding Provider
Program Level: European Union
Funding Body: European Commission
Managed By: Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO)
Additional Partners: Member States, regional and local authorities, cities, businesses, research institutions, civil society