European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 – Official texts and commentaries

Summary:

The European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds make available more than EUR 450 billion in 2014-2020 to support Member States and regions’ efforts towards the Europe 2020 strategy, as well as to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, sustainable development of rural and maritime areas and sustainable management of natural resources. Compared to 2007-2013 cohesion policy, this new framework proposes a number of new mechanisms to ensure the ESI Funds deliver on their objectives: a sound strategic approach through Partnership Agreements and programmes, thematic concentration, the performance framework, ex ante conditionalities, a closer link to European economic governance, increased opportunities for the use of financial instruments, support to institutional capacity, minimum shares for ESF contribution and a Youth Employment Initiative specifically set out to combat youth unemployment. This guide covers the texts of the main regulations in force (Common Provisions Regulation, European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, Cohesion Fund, European Agricultural Rural Development Fund, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and European Territorial Cooperation) and presents a commentary on each one.