1. EU Programmes likely to be relevant for libraries (a selection)

(EU instruments and/or funding may be made available to libraries willing to be involved in the SDG.)

EU Instruments covering SDG 1 are two main funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF). Together with the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), they make up the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds. 

The EU Cohesion Policy can be highly relevant for libraries. It mainly consists of supporting job creation, competitiveness, economic growth, improved quality of life and sustainable development. These investments support the delivery of the Europe 2020 strategy. https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/

Each Member State has agencies responsible for managing the programmes supported by Cohesioni Policy. This managing authority provides information on the programme, selects projects and monitors implementation. Please find the managing Authority in your country by clicking on: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/atlas/managing-authorities/.

The programmes are prepared by each Member State and/or region and are financed under the Cohesion Fund. Summaries of the current operational programmes are found in the following link:

https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/atlas/programmes/

New Cohesion policy (2021-2027) - also see the EBLIDA report

The European Structural and Investment Funds 2021-2027 report

 

Focus is on seven priorities, where the EU is best placed to deliver. The main objectives driving EU investments in 2021-2027 are:

• Regional development investments will strongly focus on objectives 1 - to promote the development and adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind - and 2 - covers regions struggling with structural difficulties and helps to reduce gaps in socio-economic development.

• 65% to 85% of ERDF and Cohesion Fund resources will be allocated to these priorities, depending on Member States’ relative wealth.

• Smarter Europe, through innovation, digitisation, economic transformation and support to small and medium-sized businesses.

• a Greener, carbon free Europe, implementing the Paris Agreement and investing in energy transition, renewables and the fight against climate change.

• a more Connected Europe, with strategic transport and digital networks.

• a more Social Europe, delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights and supporting quality employment, education, skills, social inclusion and equal access to healthcare.

• a Europe closer to citizens, by supporting locally-led development strategies and sustainable urban development across the EU.

https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/2021_2027/

European Social Fund plus (ESF+) 2021-2027

For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission proposes to further strengthen the Union’s social dimension with a new and improved European Social Fund, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and a more effective European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The ESF+ Regulation will integrate the current ESF, YEI, FEAD, EaSI and the EU Health programme, with ESF being complementary to other funds (such as the EGF, Erasmus, AMIF, ERDF, RSP, InvestEU). 

http://ec.europa.eu/esf/main.jsp?catId=67&langId=en&newsId=9118

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