Brussels; 23/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission's 6th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion published was published on Wednesday 23 July and shows that EU cohesion policy is delivering on the growth goals of the EUROPE 2020 strategy by creating jobs and reducing disparities across Europe.
The report outlines how investments will be focused on key areas like energy efficiency, employment, social inclusion and SMEs to get the most of the investments to the benefit of citizens.
The Commission considers that solid results can be seen from investments under EU cohesion policy for 2007-2013. Figures so far (up to end of 2012) show the creation of around 600,000 new jobs, support to 80,000 new businesses, 5 million citizens gaining access to broadband and 3.3 million people with an improved supply to drinking water. Furthermore, 5.7 million jobseekers were helped into work and a further 8.6 million supported to obtain qualifications.
Investments under the current financial round, 2014-2020, are expected to go even further with much more focus on key sectors such as the low-carbon economy, SME competitiveness, innovation and employment and social inclusion. EU cohesion policy investments will make more than €38 billion available to support the shift to a more environmentally-friendly economy, through investments for energy efficiency and renewables - this compares to €16.6 billion invested in the low-carbon economy for 2007-2013. According to the spending plans and member states' partnership agreements, up to €33 billion (an increase of nearly €10 billion) will support Europe's SMEs to become more competitive. More than €80 billion will be invested in human capital through the European social fund and the youth employment initiative.
Commenting on the report, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said: “Investments focusing on innovation and green growth will create good lasting jobs and boost the competitiveness of our regions. But the crisis has left its mark on many regions and cities. Disparities still exist and there is much to be done. These funds must be spent wisely to ensure the best results, especially in the regions and cities where the needs are the most pressing”.
The new cohesion policy rules make provision for at least 20% of the European social fund being invested in strengthening social inclusion and combating poverty.
The Commission is also launching a new cohesion policy open data platform to support the reinforced results focus, to increase transparency and to promote debate on the performance of cohesion policy funding. Users can explore report data with a range of interactive maps and charts and submit comments. (LC)