ERDF budget 2014-2020: significant changes on urban policies

By Miriam Eisermann on 13 octobre 2011

Energy efficiency and renewable energy are set to be one of the 11 investment priorities under the new EUR 346 billion European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) budget for 2014-2020. The financial regulation proposal published by the European Commission on October 6 concerning the ERDF is of prime importance for local authorities as it defines what European funds should be used for and how they should be spent.

ENERGY CITIES’ KEY POINTS IN A NUTSHELL :

• An urban policy is acknowledged and endowed with significant financial resources for the very first time.
• Amongst the 11 investment priorities defined, one aims to support the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors, including energy efficiency in public infrastructures and the housing sector.
• At least 5% of the ERDF resources are to be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development.
• Contracts will be placed directly with cities. This is another major breakthrough that should encourage cities to further commit themselves to the Covenant of Mayors.

The Commission’s proposals can still be improved, for instance, by conditioning EU-funding eligibility to the existence of a local Sustainable Energy Action Plan geared towards the “3x20” objectives.

Energy Cities knows that such orientations have been made possible thanks to the commitment of cities, in particular, to the Covenant of Mayors. Increased pressure is necessary to confirm these proposals, which are now in the hands of Member States and the European Parliament. They can be further improved, for example by conditioning EU-funding eligibility to the existence of a local Sustainable Energy Action Plan geared to the “3x20” objectives. Energy Cities will shortly be publishing a detailed opinion paper on this Communication.

Did you know that the total ERDF budget corresponds to 1% of Europe Gross National Income ?

Read the full press release : here

The European Commission’s official proposal for a regulation concerning the ERDF : here

Photo : Shutterstock

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