ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/how/programming-and-implementation/strategic-report_en">2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), showcasing some of the overarching achievements of the ESI funds as things stood at the end of 2022. These funds are the main financial instruments of Cohesion Policy, supporting regional development investments from the 2014 – 2020 programming period.
The Report shows the wide range of support available through the different programmes for the 2014 – 2020 period, and their direct and positive impact on regions, businesses, and first and foremost, people, who are at the heart of the ESI funds. It also shows the flexibility and adaptability of the framework, to provide solutions to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the ensuing energy crisis.
While focusing on long-term convergence and competitiveness, solidarity was always at the heart of the ESI Funds. They helped Member States care for refugees and overcome the effects of unprecedented natural climate disasters, ultimately alleviating the pressure on national budgets.
The Report presents the achievements of the ESI Funds by the end of 2022, showing that the Commission has:
- supported more than 5 million businesses;
- helped 64.5 million people find employment, foster social inclusion, and skills through training;
- improved health services for more than 63 million people;
- increased energy production capacity coming from renewable energy resources by more than 6 000 MW (the equivalent of around 2 400 wind turbines);
- improved the energy performance of more than 550 000 households;
- protected 17 million people from floods and 15 million people from forest fires;
- supported over 2.8 million projects in the agricultural sector and rural areas;
- maintained over 48 000 jobs and created over 6 500 new jobs in the fishing and aquaculture sector.
The ESI Funds have been stable drivers of investment in the EU. With their long-term span and thematic focus, they have channeled resources into strengthening the territorial, economic, and social cohesion of the EU regions. They have continued to help regions and companies overcome the challenges of the green and digital transitions, all the while helping workers upskill and encouraging EU territorial cooperation. They have stood their course in the context of unprecedented crises ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural climate disasters.
Background
As the EU budget's largest investment tool, the ESI Funds support the territorial, economic, and social cohesion of Europe's regions, as well as their resilience and recovery from multiple crises in recent years. ESI funds include:
- the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);
- the European Social Fund (ESF);
- the Cohesion Fund (CF);
- the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD); and
- the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The purpose of these funds is to invest in job creation and a sustainable and healthy European economy and environment. The policy objectives pursued under the ESI Funds include:
- research and innovation
- digital technologies
- supporting the low-carbon economy
- sustainable management of natural resources
- small businesses
- smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth
- employment, better education, and training
- strengthening the institutional capacity of public administration
- urban development and territorial cooperation (Interreg).
The Annual Summary report of ESI Funds covering implementation in 2014-2020 is a requirement as per Article 53 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013. This year's report presents the evolution in the financial implementation of the ESI Funds of the 2014-2020 period up to the end of 2022.
