Future EU funds for the regions set to become climate-proof

The regulation adopted today in the REGI committee improves an earlier proposal from the Commission through the introduction of new provisions aiming at climate proofing the funds dedicated to bettering Europe’s regional development.

In addition to cutting funding for fossil fuels in the future Cohesion Policy, the provisions emphasise the energy efficiency-first principle and prioritise emission cuts and a zero-carbon pathway in line with the EU’s climate and energy targets for 2030. The regulation also encourages a socially-just energy transition and greater public participation in planning and implementing EU funding.

Markus Trilling, finance and subsidies policy coordinator at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said: “The European Parliament’s vote acknowledges the urgent and imperative need to align Cohesion Policy funding with the Paris Agreement. The agreed climate proofing is a big step in the right direction as it should allow the EU to foster its regions in a sustainable and climate-friendly way, particularly in central and eastern European countries which are still relying heavily on fossil fuels.”

“Now MEPs must stay consistent at the upcoming vote on the European Regional Development Fund post-2020 and fully take into account these new safegards on climate protection.”

Raphael Hanoteaux, EU policy officer with CEE Bankwatch Network, said: “A just transition is well underway in central and eastern Europe, and the Parliament’s vote today recognises the essential role that local communities and authorities must play in remaking their energy futures. Ending funding for fossil fuels and guaranteeing civic engagement through the partnership principle is the best way to ensure an energy transformation that leaves no one behind.”

Contacts:

Nicolas Derobert, CAN Europe Communications Coordinator, nicolas@caneurope.org, +32 483 62 18 88

Raphael Hanoteaux, EU policy officer, CEE Bankwatch Network, raphaelh@bankwatch.org +32 496 205 903