A new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas

The Commission launched a new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas. EU funds and programmes that can foster sustainable growth and well-being in rural areas abound. However, identifying the most appropriate option is not always straightforward for potential beneficiaries. The Rural toolkit gathers funding opportunities from 26 different Read more about A new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas[…]

Horizon 2020 evaluation

Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme running from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of nearly €80 billion, made a major contribution to building an EU society and economy rooted in knowledge and innovation and benefitted Europeans far beyond what could have been achieved at national or regional level. Enabling rapid response to Read more about Horizon 2020 evaluation[…]

Not all investments for rural development deliver durable benefits

Since 2007, the European Commission has spent more than €25 billion of rural development funds on diversifying the EU’s rural economy and improving infrastructure in rural areas. However, according to a special report published today by the European Court of Auditors(ECA), the success of these measures varied significantly across Member States and sectors. For example, Read more about Not all investments for rural development deliver durable benefits[…]

Closing the EU’s innovation gap: Member States must get more involved

To close the EU’s persistent gap in research and innovation (R&I) and unlock excellence in countries lagging behind, the European Commission is applying special measures (known as ‘widening’ measures) to give those countries better access to key EU funding. In a report published today, however, the European Court of Auditors finds that a real shift Read more about Closing the EU’s innovation gap: Member States must get more involved[…]

innovation audit

Small companies’ competitiveness barely improved by EU support

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are key to the EU’s economy. But they have not really benefited from EU action aimed at enhancing their competitiveness. That is the conclusion reached by the European Court of Auditors in a special report published today. EU funds stimulated SMEs’ willingness to invest, but their impact and effectiveness on Read more about Small companies’ competitiveness barely improved by EU support[…]

European Green Deal Call: €1 billion investment to boost the green and digital transition

The European Commission has decided today to launch a €1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The Horizon 2020-funded European Green Deal Call, which will open tomorrow for registration, will spur Europe’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis by turning green challenges Read more about European Green Deal Call: €1 billion investment to boost the green and digital transition[…]

Recovery and Resilience Facility

The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will support Member States in absorbing the economic shock created by the COVID crisis and making their economies more resilient. In a new opinion published today, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) points to the importance of the national Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) in making sure that the Read more about Recovery and Resilience Facility[…]

Tackling climate change is a high priority for the EU

The Commission made a commitment, for the 2014-2020 period, to spend at least one euro in every five (20%) of the EU budget on climate action. It has now raised this target to 25% (one euro in every four) for the 2021-2027 period. According to a new review by the European Court of Auditors, setting Read more about Tackling climate change is a high priority for the EU[…]

European Defence Industrial Development Programme: calls for 2020

With a total budget of more than €160 million, the 2020 calls for proposals cover 12 categories reflecting the critical capability needs defined in close cooperation with the Member States. The Commission is looking for project proposals including design, prototyping and testing Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBNR) medical countermeasures, such as preventive and therapeutic immunotherapy, which could Read more about European Defence Industrial Development Programme: calls for 2020[…]

Municipalities will be able to apply online for the €15,000 WiFi4EU scheme voucher

As of 7 November municipalities in the EU can apply for free Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces On 7 November 2018 at 13:00 (CET), the Commission will launch a call for applications for the scheme ‘WiFi4EU’. The call, which is open to municipalities or groups of municipalities in the EU, will be open until 17:00 Read more about Municipalities will be able to apply online for the €15,000 WiFi4EU scheme voucher[…]

New plans for how EU cohesion funds are spent are simpler and more flexible

EU Auditors  make a number of suggestions on how to make sure that Member State spending has a real impact and complies with the rules. The proposed Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) for 2021-2027 covers seven funds for investment in regional development and employment, security and border protection, and measures to support migrants in the EU Read more about New plans for how EU cohesion funds are spent are simpler and more flexible[…]

life programme

LIFE Programme: Member States to benefit from quarter of a billion euros of investments in environment, nature and climate action

The European Commission has approved an investment package of €243 million from the EU budget for projects under the LIFE programme supporting nature, the environment and quality of life in Europe’s transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon future. The EU funding under the LIFE programme for the Environment and Climate Action will mobilise additional investments leading to a Read more about LIFE Programme: Member States to benefit from quarter of a billion euros of investments in environment, nature and climate action[…]