Study on Cohesion Policy and EU Coal Regions

In the Study on Cohesion Policy and EU Coal Regions Ecorys analysed the implementation and impact of Cohesion Policy in EU coal regions during the 2014-2020 programming period (including responses to the COVID-19 pandemic) and explores future prospects for the period 2021-2027. The project team carried out, interviews with Managing Authorities of selected programmes and related initiatives, did an extensive literature review as well as quantitative assessments of cohesion policy data, leading to the following findings and recommendations.

Main Findings:

• Diverse Challenges: EU coal regions vary significantly in terms of socio-economic characteristics, making it challenging to pinpoint common issues. However, these regions generally face lower GDP per capita, higher poverty rates, lower educational attainment, and higher unemployment rates compared to national averages, with the added strain of COVID-19 exacerbating economic challenges.
• Cohesion Policy’s Role: Cohesion Policy instruments played a vital role in transition efforts, even though the Cohesion Policy (2014-2020 period) did not make a reference to coal phase-out.
• JTF Influence: The Just Transition Fund heightened the attention towards transition in coal and carbon intensive regions, influencing the design of Cohesion Policy for 2021-2027.
• Pandemic Effects: Cohesion Policy was used to address short-term COVID-19 challenges and shaped long-term programming, emphasizing areas like labour markets, social protection and healthcare.

Key Recommendations:

• Tailored Policies are required tosuit the unique characteristics of each coal region, which may require strengthening regional-level inputs.
• A Holistic Approach should be taken for the 2021-27 Cohesion Policy, to address multiple transition aspects, including environmental rehabilitation, revitalisation of mining sites and carbon-intensive installations.
• Timely Implementation Monitoring is required to encourage a swift, rigorous monitoring and evaluation of Cohesion Policy implementation for 2021-27 by the European Commission and relevant authorities.
• Enhanced Alignment, Coordination and Cooperation is required among Managing Authorities for ERDF, ESF, CF, and JTF to enhance flexibility and prevent duplication.
• Information Dissemination involves actively sharing best practices, lessons, and support resources like exchangeEU and TARGET with EU coal regions to support a socially acceptable just transition.