On Tuesday 20 September, the European Commission approved a €1.4 billion partnership agreement with Ireland under the 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy.
On the environment, the agreement provides for the strengthening of regional innovation ecosystems, improvements in energy efficiency in housing and the revitalisation of cities in line with the principles of the ‘New European Bauhaus’ (see EUROPE 12791/19), with the help of €396 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). EUR 293 million will be allocated to the Atlantic Area and Northwest Europe cross-border cooperation programmes. EUR 84 million (from the Just Transition Fund) will also aim to mitigate the effects of the energy transition in the Midlands. EUR 142 million (EMFAF) will be used to implement the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and to support sustainable management of the seas and oceans.
EUR 508 million in funding from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) will contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights action plan and the achievement of EU-level key headline targets. In particular, Ireland aims to reduce the risk of poverty and the social exclusion of vulnerable groups by access to employment, social services and training.
Ireland is the 22nd Member State to have concluded a Partnership Agreement. The remaining countries yet to do so include Belgium, Spain, Hungary, Latvia and Luxembourg. (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)