On Wednesday 14 December, the European Commission adopted Belgium’s partnership agreement under the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy. The country will benefit from €3 billion to accelerate its green and digital transitions while supporting economic development.
On environmental aspects, Belgium will receive €400 million from the ERDF to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, support renewable energy and encourage sustainable urban development. Moreover, €183 million from the ‘Just Transition Fund’ will be dedicated to the development of a low-carbon, circular and energy-efficient economy. Additionally, €40.3 million from the EMFAF will support the fishery sector.
In terms of digital and competitiveness, €500 million from the ERDF will be used to stimulate investment in research, innovation and the digitalisation of SMEs and public services.
Finally, to support employment and social cohesion, Belgium will receive €1.3 billion from the ‘European Social Fund Plus’ (ESF+). This will be spent on vocational training (€500 million), the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labour market (€400 million) and employment support for young people (€300 million).
Hungary is now the only Member State that has yet to adopt its partnership agreement for the period 2021-2027. (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)