Location

Cities and regions are represented in the budget of the European Union (EU) primarily through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). These funds are part of the EU's Cohesion Policy, which aims to reduce economic and social disparities between regions within the EU.


The ERDF provides financial support for economic development and job creation in regions that are facing economic and social challenges. The funds are used to support projects that promote innovation, research and development, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.


The ESF provides financial support for the development of human capital in regions that are facing social challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion. The funds are used to support projects that promote education and training, social inclusion, and the reduction of poverty.


Cities and regions can apply for funding from the ERDF and ESF through the European Commission and National authorities, through open calls for proposals, where the Commission set the guidelines, priorities and evaluate the projects, but the National authorities manage the co-financing and the implementation of the projects.


In addition, there are also other EU Funds, such as the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), that are more specific to the rural and coastal regions respectively, and also support their development with specific priorities in mind.


In this way, cities and regions are represented in the budget of the EU as recipients of funding through the ERDF, ESF and other specific funds, which are aimed to support their specific needs and challenges. Through these funds, EU aims to support local and regional authorities in addressing the economic and social challenges they face, and help to foster sustainable and inclusive growth.