Upgrading Cohesion policy – Flexible Assistance to territories (FAST – CARE) – to address the consequences of Russian aggression

Summary:

Communication adopted by the European Commission on 29 June 2022, providing the context for a set of measures aimed at supporting EU Member States, regional and local authorities and partners to address the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Further information:

Russia's decision to invade Ukraine brought new and unexpected challenges for the European Union (EU). Support was provided under Cohesion's Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) by offering further support and further flexibility to Cohesion Policy funding. In addition, the European Commission paid €3.5 billion of pre-financing under REACT-EU and further simplified the mobilisation of funds. This year's envelope of REACT-EU funds has been made available to address the arising needs.

The Communication sets out an additional set of supporting measures named Flexible Assistance to Territories - FAST-CARE. It aims to respond to requests from stakeholders that further support is provided as the situation deteriorates. FAST-CARE aims to offer maximum flexibility for the implementation of Cohesion Policy investments. It also aims to contribute to mitigate the delayed implementation of EU-funded projects due to the combined effect of COVID-19 pandemic and the high energy costs, shortage of raw materials and labour force exacerbated by the war

This overview provides the context to FAST-CARE, and it was adopted by the European Commission on 29 June 2022 alongside a legislative initiative introducing the necessary amendments to implement the measures.

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 29/06/2022: Ukraine: Cohesion Policy steps up support to address the consequences of Russia's aggression in Ukraine with the ‘Flexible Assistance to Territories' https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4043

European Commission: Questions and Answers: Cohesion Policy steps up support to address the consequences of Russia's aggression in Ukraine with the ‘Flexible Assistance to Territories' (29 June 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_4044

European Commission: Press conference by Commissioners Ferreira and Schmit on proposals to strengthen cohesion policy and better support Member States in addressing the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine (29 June 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_22_4228

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