Thematic objectives for the ESI Funds

KEY POINTS

ESI funds consist of 5 funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

As well as the fund-specific missions, each ESI Fund supports investment priorities known as thematic objectives:

1. Strengthening research, technological development and innovation;
2. Enhancing access to, and use and quality of information and communication technologies;
3. Enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises;
4. Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy;
5. Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management;
6. Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency;
7. Promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures;
8. Promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility;
9. Promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and any discrimination;
10. Investing in education and training for skills and lifelong learning;
11. Enhancing the capability of public authorities and efficient public administration.

Thematic objectives are translated into priorities specific to each of the ESI Funds. Themes 1-4 are key themes for the ERDF, while themes 8-11 are key themes for the ESF.

Integrated, coordinated and complementary approach

EU countries must make sure that their choice of thematic objectives meets the development needs and territorial challenges, and ensures an integrated delivery of the ESI funds.

Coordination and synergies between ESI funds and other EU policies

EU countries and the European Commission must consider the most suitable means of using EU funds to support investment, coordinating between the ESI Funds and other EU instruments, including:

• common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy;
• Horizon 2020 and other centrally-managed EU programmes in the areas of research and innovation;
• New Entrants Reserve (NER) 300 demonstration funding;
• Programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE);
• ERASMUS+;
• EU programme for employment and social innovation;
• Connecting Europe Facility;
• Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, European Neighbourhood Instrument and European Development Fund.

Underlying principles

Core transverse policy objectives cut across all ESI funding thematic priorities:

• partnership and multi-level governance;
• sustainable development;
• promotion of equality between men and women and non-discrimination;
• accessibility;
• addressing demographic change;
• climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Addressing key territorial challenges

EU countries must take account of geographic or demographic features when applying for ESI funding and address the specific territorial challenges of each region to unlock its specific development potential.