European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is one of the main financial instruments of the EUʼs cohesion policy.

Its purpose is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of European regions and to reduce the backwardness of the least-favoured regions. Particular attention is paid to regions that suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions, which have very low population densities, and island, cross-border and mountain regions.

Five main objectives will drive EU investments in 2021-2027:

1. Smarter Europe;
2. A Greener, carbon-free Europe; 
3. A more Connected Europe, with strategic transport and digital networks;
4. A more Social Europe;
5. Europe closer to citizens.

Beneficiaries

Individuals, organisations, and businesses. 

Financing conditions

The ERDF gives particular attention to specific territorial characteristics. The allocation of resources will depend on the category of region (less developed, transition, and more developed).