The Pelješac Bridge is the largest ever EU investment in infrastructure in Croatia. What the EU does The European Union's regional and urban policy is designed to support all regions and cities across the EU. As part of the EU’s cohesion policy, it fosters economic growth, and helps improve the quality of life of all EU citizens.Regional and urban policy reflects European solidarity. It dedicates the majority of its funding to less-developed countries, regions and cities, helping them catch up economically and socially, thereby reducing disparities that still exist in the EU. Specifically, this policy aims tostrengthen economic and territorial cohesion by promoting balanced regional developmentimprove connectivity and sustainability by financing major infrastructure projects, particularly in the environment and transport sectorsadvance the clean transition through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation initiatives.Regional and urban policy is primarily implemented through three main fundsEuropean Regional Development Fund – promotes innovation, digitalisation, growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the transition to a low-carbon economyCohesion Fund – targets Member States with a Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant below 90% of the EU averageJust Transition Fund – supports regions and communities most affected by the shift to a climate-neutral economy Facts about regional and urban policy €392 billiondedicated to reducing disparities across the EU725,000companies supported for innovation and smart growth (2021-2027)1.3 millionjobs expected to be created during the 2021-2027 period Areas of actionRegional policy themesDiscover all the areas where EU regional policy makes a differenceCities and urban developmentHelping cities to grow sustainablySolidarityCoordinated financial support when crises strikeCooperationEuropean territorial cooperation and its programmesProjectsSee concrete examples of regional policy helping regions and countriesFundingInformation on different funds and how to access them Key achievements Regional and urban policy has improved essential infrastructure, including the construction or upgrading of thousands of kilometres of roads and railways. With more than €100 billion for the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable urban transport, this policy has played a key role in advancing the green transition. Regional and urban policy has served as a key stabilising force, mobilising billions of euros to help countries and regions respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the arrival of millions of refugees from Ukraine and the energy crisis. It has significantly reduced regional disparities, helping less-developed areas catch up by supporting innovation, competitiveness, and better access to public services. EU cohesion policy has boosted employment across all Member States, so far supporting the creation of 260,000 new jobs since 2019, out of a projected 1.3 million by 2027.Discover more achievements by checking investments made under regional policy in your country. In focus A modernised Cohesion policy - the mid-term reviewThe mid-term review of Cohesion Policy for 2021-2027 emphasises the policy's role in reducing regional disparities and fostering cohesion amid global challenges. It aims to reinforce the EU's priorities, engaging policymakers and stakeholders in maximising the impact of cohesion initiatives.Learn more Latest news 17 December 2025Ongoing and upcoming Interreg calls: opportunities for Ukrainian partners16 December 2025Inauguration of new EU-funded “Metrobus” between Coimbra and Serpins in PortugalSee all Events 09-13Jun2026ExhibitionsThe Festival of the New European Bauhaus 2026See all Related informationDirectorate-General for EU regional and urban policyCohesion Open DataKohesioEU support for cities
The European Union's regional and urban policy is designed to support all regions and cities across the EU. As part of the EU’s cohesion policy, it fosters economic growth, and helps improve the quality of life of all EU citizens.Regional and urban policy reflects European solidarity. It dedicates the majority of its funding to less-developed countries, regions and cities, helping them catch up economically and socially, thereby reducing disparities that still exist in the EU. Specifically, this policy aims tostrengthen economic and territorial cohesion by promoting balanced regional developmentimprove connectivity and sustainability by financing major infrastructure projects, particularly in the environment and transport sectorsadvance the clean transition through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation initiatives.Regional and urban policy is primarily implemented through three main fundsEuropean Regional Development Fund – promotes innovation, digitalisation, growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the transition to a low-carbon economyCohesion Fund – targets Member States with a Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant below 90% of the EU averageJust Transition Fund – supports regions and communities most affected by the shift to a climate-neutral economy
A modernised Cohesion policy - the mid-term reviewThe mid-term review of Cohesion Policy for 2021-2027 emphasises the policy's role in reducing regional disparities and fostering cohesion amid global challenges. It aims to reinforce the EU's priorities, engaging policymakers and stakeholders in maximising the impact of cohesion initiatives.Learn more
