Cohesion Policy is crucial in mitigating economic and social inequalities while fostering balanced development throughout the continent. This policy provides proactive and timely assistance in areas such as employment, entrepreneurship, research and development, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and human capital, all aligned with the goals of intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

To illustrate the financial efforts and their results, DG REGIO recently released a legacy document that shows achievements of the 2014-2020 period throughout the European Union, entitled BRIDGING GAPS: EU Cohesion Policy 𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠 (available here). The brochure focuses mainly on the results enabled by the ERDF and CF, as well as the instruments that are deployed through these funds. Its title, Bridging gaps, signifies its core message: it is via Cohesion Policy that regions can effectively respond to their specific needs and leverage their strengths for the benefit of all.

The Supporting Units of the four Macro-Regional Strategies contributed to this publication, and the information is compiled under the chapter: EU Macro-Regional Strategies: Turning common challenges into joint opportunities.