Mid-term evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the Just Transition Fund 2021-2027
Cohesion policy (CP) is one of the European Union’s main investment policies, rooted in Articles 174-178 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The EU’s ambition is to promote harmonious development by reducing economic, social and territorial disparities between Member States (MSs) and regions, especially underdeveloped areas. Cohesion policy is the main tool for delivering on this objective. The policy seeks to foster lasting socioeconomic convergence and a smooth and fair green and digital transition, making sure that no one is left behind.
Under the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF), cohesion policy is the second largest spending entry, accounting for roughly one third of the EU’s seven-year budget. With EUR 378 billion in programmed investments, this figure rises to EUR 540 billion when combined with national public and private co-financing contributions. Given its substantial scope and size, cohesion policy serves as a pivotal instrument in delivering the EU's overarching political agenda.
The Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) mandates the European Commission to conduct a midterm evaluation (MTE) of all cohesion policy funds. The legislation also makes provision for a review of implementation of the Just Transition Fund (JTF), and a report based on that review.
The purpose of the MTE is to make a comprehensive assessment of the programmes for the 2021-2027 period. This includes taking stock of progress made in implementing the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), and analysing the uptake of the main legal novelty and the consequences of more recent context and legal changes. The evaluation provides evidence to support the mid-term review of programmes which is taking place in 20253 .
In addition, the MTE process - along with the 2014-2020 ex post evaluation - informs the policy debate on the future of the EU budget, and particularly on the Commission proposal for the 2028-2034 MFF. Finally, the MTE serves as a baseline for the ex post evaluation of the 2021-2027 period, to be completed by the end of 20314. This Staff Working Document (SWD) presents the findings of the mid-term evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), and the Just Transition Fund (JTF). It also reports on the implementation of the JTF in relation to its specific objective. This SWD does not present the findings of the mid-term evaluation of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), which are included in a separate SWD. The evaluation covers all the 27 Member States, and third countries involved in Interreg.
