Programming period 2021 - 2027

Following the publication of the multiannual financial framework for the period 2021-2027, on May 29th and 30th, 2018, the European Commission published the draft Regulations relating to the Cohesion Policy 2021-2027. (Legislative framework)

On the ground of thematic concentration, the eleven thematic objectives used in 2014-2020 cohesion policy have been replaced by five policy objectives:

• A smarter Europe – innovation, digitalization, smart economic development;
• A greener, low-carbon Europe - which implements the Paris Convention and invests in energy transformation, renewable energy, fight against climate change;
• A more connected Europe – mobility and regional ICT connectivity;
• A more social Europe – implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights (employment, education, social inclusion and equal access to health care);
• Europe closer to citizens – strategies for local sustainable and integrated development.

Two Interreg-specific objectives are set out in the proposed regulation:

• better Interreg governance;
• a safer and more secure Europe.