Press Release: European Commission adopts ‘Partnership Agreement’ with Germany on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs in 2014-2020

On 22 May 2014, the European Commission adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with Germany setting down the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds in the country's regions and cities. The agreement paved the way for € 19.2 billion in total Cohesion Policy funding and €8.3 billion for rural development to be invested in the country’s real economy. The allocation under Fisheries and Maritime Policy would be finalised and published that summer. The EU investments would boost competitiveness, tackle unemployment and growth through support to innovation, the low carbon economy and training and education. They would also promote entrepreneurship, fight social exclusion and strive for an environmentally friendly and a resource-efficient economy.