Cohesion Policy 2014-2020: infographics
Johannes Hahn and László Andor, European Commissioners for Regional Policy and for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion respectively, have warmly welcomed the European Parliament's vote today to endorse reform of Cohesion Policy. The Parliament gave its consent to new rules that refocus investment in the real economy, on key areas to create jobs and foster growth. The reforms also set new conditions for funding and place a greater emphasis on measuring results. In addition, they put in place some common rules for all five European Structural and Investment Funds (European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, Cohesion Fund, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund) for the 2014-2020 period and make them simpler to use. The new rules are due to be formally adopted shortly by the EU's Council of Ministers. Speaking after the vote Commissioner Johannes Hahn said: "After a long set of negotiations, the Parliament has given its consent to reforms which transform Cohesion Policy into the EU's principle investment tool for delivering the Europe 2020 goals: promoting the real economy, creating growth and jobs, tackling climate change and energy dependence. These reforms are fundamental. They are aimed at ensuring a maximum impact for every euro spent - for the benefit of citizens. They do this by concentrating investments on a few key priorities for growth. For example, it is our aim that through the European Regional Development Fund support for small and medium sized businesses – the lifeblood of Europe's economy – should double from around €70 billion in the current period to €140 billion in 2014-2020. These are the main areas where jobs can be created and maintained in a sustainable way. Focusing on the real economy, innovation, research and supporting renewables and energy efficiency, EU Cohesion Policy is at the heart of the EU's modern budget approved yesterday by MEPs. This vote now clears the way for member states to step up the programme planning so ordinary citizens can soon feel the benefit of these investments." Commissioner László Andor said: "The European Social Fund, together with the Youth Employment Initiative, will be a key instrument to support Member States' investment in employment, human capital and effective administration. More than €74 billion will be invested to help millions of people to get a job and to improve their skills. It will support Member States' efforts to improve their active labour market policies, for example through more efficient public employment services, and to reduce poverty by helping the most vulnerable people to get skills and jobs and have the same opportunities as others to integrate into society....." It continues here: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/newsroom/detail.cfm?LAN=en&id=1145&lang=en
