EU cohesion policy: Commission adopts € 2.2 billion partnership agreement with Sweden for 2021-2027 – Regional policy
It will support the country to implement key EU priorities as the green and digital transition and contribute to the development of a new competitive, innovative and export-oriented growth model.
A smarter, digital and connected economy
EUR 214 million from the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) will help promote the circular economy in companies, leading to reduced waste and improved resource efficiency. The financing will also promote energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as an increased use of recycled materials.
In addition, EUR 573 million from the ERDF will support a more competitive and smarter Sweden, improve digitalisation, research and innovation and access to broadband with high transmission capacity.
Finally, up to € 47 million will be invested in sustainable transport solutions in the two most sparsely populated regions to increase productivity, competitiveness and meet the needs of the regions. An additional € 27 million will support broadband connections in the same regions.
For a socially inclusive labor market
With total EUR 706 million from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF +), Sweden will promote one a more social and inclusive society thanks to investments in lifelong learning and upbringing. In particular, several measures will support children and adults at risk of poverty or social exclusion. In the northern sparsely populated areas, funding will be focused on strengthening the capacity of local and regional labor market institutions and employment services.
A fair green transition for Swedish regions
EUR 155 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will help Sweden’s transition to a greener and more competitive industry while maintaining employment and upgrading workers in the value chains in these areas. The steel industry (Norrbotten), the mineral industry (Gotland) and the metal industry (Västerbotten) in particular produce a significant part of the greenhouse gases in Sweden and thus have great potential for reducing emissions.
Investments in the fisheries and aquaculture sector will also contribute to the green transition in Sweden. € 115 million from the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) will support the long-term sustainable development of the fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing sectors through innovation, investment and the creation of marine protected areas. In line with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, 50% of EMFAF will aim to ensure the implementation of sound fisheries management.
Members of the college said:
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform, Elisa Ferreirasa: “With the adoption of the Swedish Partnership Agreement for 2021-2027, Sweden has another boost to move forward with its ambitious plans to become the first EU member state to achieve climate neutrality and become more connected and moree inclusive. In line with the objectives of cohesion policy, a special attention will be paid to the sparsely populated regions of the northern part of the country, make sure no one is left behind.”
Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas SchmitAdded: “To meet the demands of the green and digital transition, Member States should invest heavily in skills and lifelong learning. Sweden plans to devote more than € 175 million to various skills measures at all stages of life, from helping school-age children with homework to measures to improve skills to help people find and advance in their careers. ”
Commissioner for Environment, the Sea and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičiussa: “Europe’s blue economy plays a crucial role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in our economy. This partnership agreement will enable Sweden to build a resilient, sustainable and low – carbon fisheries and aquaculture sector and to manage its aquatic environment and resources in a sustainable way. “
Background
The partnership agreement with Sweden paves the way for cohesion-specific operational programs that can be implemented on site. It includes 4 national programs (ERDF, ESF +, JTF, EMFAF) and 8 regional programs. In addition, it identifies the eligibility and implementation of JTFs in the regions with the most carbon-intensive industrial facilities to help them meet the challenges of the transition to climate neutrality.
The partnership agreement also reflects Sweden’s strong commitment to a coordinated use of the cohesion policy funds with the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
In the field of cohesion policy and in cooperation with the Commission, each Member State draws up a partnership agreement, a strategic document for planning investments from cohesion policy funds and the EMFAF under the multiannual financial framework. It focuses on EU priorities and sets out the strategy and investment priorities identified by the Member State and presents a list of national and regional field implementation programs, including the preliminary annual financial allocation for each program.
The adoption of the partnership agreement with Sweden follows those of Greece, Germany, Lithuania, Austria, Finland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and France.