Issue 136 - March 2025
ISSN 2315-0017
Spotlight on cohesion policy
United in diversity, that is the European Union’s motto. The EU is committed to promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity among Member States, so that everyone can benefit from steady and balanced growth and development.
The EU and its Member States share the responsibility for action in cohesion policy, meaning that both can establish measures that work towards common objectives. For the 2021-2027 financial period, around one third of the EU’s spending is dedicated to driving innovation, fostering sustainable development and promoting social inclusion in Europe’s regions.
With these broad objectives at its core, the EU’s cohesion policy pays particular attention to rural communities, regions undergoing industrial change, cross-border regions, and the outermost regions. From modernising transport infrastructure in Poland to enhancing healthcare facilities in Portugal, the EU contributes funding to various projects that aim to improve Europeans’ quality of life. Additionally, the EU organises award programmes that recognise regional excellence in areas such as accessibility and sustainability.
As we celebrate 50 years since the launch of the European Regional Development Fund, one of the key financial instruments for cohesion policy, our March newsletter puts the spotlight on this policy field. We also recommend publications related to other topics like gender equality and the economic and monetary union.
Enjoy the good reads!
Bridging gaps PDF
EU cohesion policy: creating a better life for Europeans
The EU’s cohesion policy is vital in reducing economic and social disparities and promoting harmonious development. It provides active, timely support for employment, entrepreneurship, research & development, infrastructure, environment, human capital and much more in line with objectives of smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. See how regions can address their needs and capitalise their advantages for everyone’s benefit through three EU cohesion policy funds: the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund.
Available in Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish and PortugueseThe future of EU cohesion PDF
Scenarios and their impacts on regional inequalities: cost of non-Europe
Cohesion policy plays a crucial role in promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion among the EU regions. What are the three main challenges in addressing regional inequalities and how can we tackle them? This study explores this question and investigates the cost of non-Europe, that is, the impact of taking no further action at EU level to reduce regional inequalities.
Available in EnglishEurostat regional yearbook PDF/Paper
2024 edition
Are you interested in exploring regional trends and developments across Europe? This publication is your go-to guide for diving into key statistics on population, economy, environment, and much more. Packed with easy-to-read maps and charts, it offers a full statistical picture of how regions are evolving. Are you curious about how your region is doing compared to the others? Play with the dynamic visualisations of Regions in Europe and find out where your region stands.
Available in English
Open data as an enabler to regional development and better cohesion in Europe html
Creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and developing sustainably are all targets supported by the EU’s cohesion policy. But how can we ensure that no region is ‘left behind’ as we strive for these goals? In this data story, read about how open data can help ensure the effective implementation of cohesion policy and help regions thrive.
Available in EnglishExploring synergies between Horizon Europe and the EU cohesion policy PDF
Read about the links between Horizon Europe and the cohesion policy funds for research and innovation activities. Learn about the main barriers and drivers for strengthening these links, along with possible pathways forward to achieve greater innovation outcomes.
Available in EnglishAlso out recently
Recommendations from the European Commission-led expert group on the safeguarding of cultural heritage in Ukraine PDF/Paper
In 2023, the European Commission established the Expert Group on the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Ukraine. It consists of 26 experts, including 6 experts from Ukraine. The group recommends the prioritisation of cultural heritage in Ukraine's post-war recovery and underlines the importance of enabling people to connect with their heritage, identity, and history. See how they exchanged knowledge on damage prevention, preparedness, and recovery of cultural heritage.
Available in English and Ukrainian2024 annual report on the implementation of the European Union’s external action instruments in 2023 PDF/Paper
In this report, you will find many examples of EU-funded interventions in Europe and across the globe that illustrate the EU's continuing efforts to deliver on its foreign policy objectives. Through a 'Team Europe' approach, and together with international partners, the EU seeks to build a more sustainable and inclusive world for all. For more in-depth reading, also see the report’s Staff Working Document.
Available in EnglishIn your language
Understanding the Economic and Monetary Union PDF/Paper
The economic and monetary union (EMU) is an essential part of the European integration process. It is composed of two main elements: economic and monetary policies. Countries become members of the EMU after they adopt the euro as their currency. To be able to join the euro area they need to make sure their economies have sufficiently converged with the economies of the countries already using the euro. This brochure explains who does what in the economic and monetary union and lists the key dates and events on the way to the EMU.
Available in all official languages of the EUYou may also like
She Figures 2024 PDF
Gender in research and innovation: statistics and indicators
The latest She Figures 2024 report provides objective, reliable and comparable data that can assist the EU and its Member States to drive change towards a more inclusive research and innovation (R&I) system. A significant addition for 2024 is the introduction of a pilot index: a composite indicator measuring Member States’ progress towards gender equality in R&I. It offers a comparative perspective on gender equality efforts.
Available in EnglishOur news
The Publications Office of the EU is excited to invite you to join EU Open Data Days 2025 online on 19-20 March 2025. The event promotes the harnessing of open data’s power.
Over two engaging days, learn from experts in the field through success stories and best practices and be at the forefront of open data. Take this unique opportunity to engage and network with the open data community and innovators in the field of open data.
Whether you are a public policymaker, part of the private sector, a data publisher, analyst, academic, or simply a passionate advocate for open data from across Europe and beyond, this event is for you.
Join us live on 19 and 20 March! You can also mark your calendar by downloading the calendar file and adding it to your schedule today.
Together, let's shape a future where data is not just open but optimally leveraged for an empowered society.
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