The Projects
Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy
Resource-efficient and sustainable use of our natural capital, reduced vulnerability to climate change and a push towards a less carbon intensive and more energy secure economy are key factors for economic and social cohesion in Europe. In line with the EU’s cohesion policy, the programme areas in the priority sector Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy aim to ensure good environmental status of our ecosystems, adequate and timely climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, and increased use of renewable energy. Given the great degree of interconnectivity between the three programme areas under the priority sector, measures and activities will seek to exploit co-beneficial outcomes.
Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
The promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms lies at the core of the European Union’s aim to advance its population and safeguard individual dignity. In line with the EU’s cohesion objectives, the programme areas in the priority sector Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms contribute to upholding fundamental rights and democratic freedoms and facilitating individuals’ cooperation to achieve common aims. This is achieved through strengthening active citizenship, empowering vulnerable groups and enhancing the role of civil society. The aim is reinforced by support for activities aimed at cultural dialogue and awareness of diversity.
Justice and Home Affairs
The priority sector Justice and Home Affairs aims at strengthening European citizens’ confidence in their governments’ ability to ensure civil rights, equal treatment and protection, all which are crucial to the Europe 2020 strategy for inclusive and sustainable growth. Lack of public trust in the judiciary is widespread mainly due to corruption, excessive length of proceedings and chronic non- enforcement of judicial decisions. Furthermore, crime stretches across European borders with increased complexity, the influx of irregular migrants remains a challenge for Europe, and weak immigration systems risk breaching human rights and international law. Domestic and gender-based violence remain endemic throughout Europe to huge economic and social cost. Man-made and natural disasters are increasing both in frequency and intensity, and investments in disaster risk reduction can reduce or prevent loss of life and property, and reap vast economic benefits.
Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness
The programme areas in the priority sector Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness contribute to growth by supporting the further development of the knowledge economy. Sustainable growth is promoted through funding to strengthen the link between education and training systems, and employment and to support a socially inclusive labour market through combating youth unemployment, facilitating the participation of women and promoting social dialogue. The added value of the funding under this priority sector lies in the opportunities it offers for strategic piloting and testing of innovative approaches and for international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences leading to accelerated learning.
