Report on the outcome of 2021-2027 cohesion policy programming

The report shows how the policy will unleash investments worth a total of €545 billion, of which, €378 billion is funded by the EU. These funds aim to foster:

• lasting socio-economic convergence
• territorial cohesion
• a social and inclusive Europe
• a smooth and fair green and digital transition, making sure that no one is left behind

 Overall, cohesion policy funds will:

• increase the EU’s GDP by 0.5% by the end of the implementation period
• support the creation of 1.3 million jobs
• provide many mor…

The report shows how the policy will unleash investments worth a total of €545 billion, of which, €378 billion is funded by the EU. These funds aim to foster:

• lasting socio-economic convergence
• territorial cohesion
• a social and inclusive Europe
• a smooth and fair green and digital transition, making sure that no one is left behind

 Overall, cohesion policy funds will:

• increase the EU’s GDP by 0.5% by the end of the implementation period
• support the creation of 1.3 million jobs
• provide many more benefits to the EU’s regions and citizens

In the programming period 2021 – 2027, cohesion policy funds worth EUR 2.9 billion will continue to support the Belgian regions and communities in promoting the development of a competitive, innovative and inclusive economy and embracing key EU priorities such as the green and digital transition. In comparison with 2014-2020 period, the classification of two provinces changed: the Walloon province of Luxembourg went from transition to less developed region while the Flemish Province of Limburg moved from more developed region to transition. Hence, the Flemish ERDF and ESF+ programmes will have two categories of regions and the Walloon one will have three categories of regions. Brussels-Capital remains a more developed region as a whole.
Belgium decided to roll over structures from previous programming period and add a specific JTF priority in the Walloon ERDF programme. Food and material aid will be provided through a federal programme covering the whole of Belgium.

Despite its relatively small size, Belgium is characterised by important regional disparities.
Although average GDP per capita expressed in purchasing power standards (PPS) amounting to 120 % of the EU average (2021) is higher in Belgium than in the EU, disparities between and within regions
are significant.