This study examines how Cohesion Policy can support climate adaptation, regional resilience and sustainable businesses in the EU. It identifies regional and sectoral adaptation needs, maps relevant EU policy instruments and assesses current Cohesion Policy investment support. The study finds increased but still insufficient funding for adaptation, with gaps between support and needs. Recommendations include improving the integration and tracking of adaptation, developing tailored sectoral strategies, improving business awareness and funding access, and enhancing regional capacity for adaptation.
Authors
Mariya GANCHEVA, Matthew GERACI, Laurine TERTRE & Margaux TRUC
- Pages
- 76
- Published in
- Belgium
Table of Contents
- LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 7
- LIST OF BOXES 8
- LIST OF FIGURES 8
- LIST OF TABLES 9
- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 10
- 1. Introduction 12
- 2. Regional and business adaptation needs 14
- 2.1. Climate risks and adaptation needs across EU regions 14
- a. Climate risks and adaptation needs in urban areas 15
- b. Climate risks and adaptation needs in rural areas 16
- c. Climate risks and adaptation needs in coastal areas and islands 17
- d. Climate risks and adaptation needs in mountainous regions 18
- e. Climate risks and adaptation needs in outermost regions 19
- 2.2. Climate risks and adaptation needs of businesses in the EU 20
- 2.2.1. Climate risks and adaptation needs across different economic sectors 20
- 2.2.2. Key barriers businesses face in implementing climate adaptation measures 23
- KEY FINDINGS 14
- 3. EU Adaptation Strategy and policy framework 25
- 3.1. Overview of the EU Adaptation Strategy 25
- 3.2. EU policy instruments for regional climate adaptation 26
- 3.3. Cohesion Policy instruments for regional climate adaptation 29
- 3.3.1. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 30
- 3.3.2. The Cohesion Fund (CF) 31
- 3.3.3. The Just Transition Fund (JTF) 32
- 3.3.4. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 33
- 3.3.5. Interreg programmes 34
- KEY FINDINGS 25
- 4. Current state of Cohesion Policy support for adaptation 36
- 4.1. Cohesion Policy funding for adaptation 36
- 4.1.1. Overview of funding data 36
- 4.1.2. Overview of survey findings 38
- 4.2. Cohesion Policy effectiveness 40
- 4.2.1. Aligning funding with adaptation needs 40
- 4.2.2. Success factors and challenges in supporting regional resilience 41
- 4.2.3. Opportunities and challenges for supporting businesses’ adaptation efforts 45
- KEY FINDINGS 36
- 5. Gap analysis and future adaptation priorities for Cohesion Policy 48
- 5.1. Regional adaptation needs versus current Cohesion Policy support 48
- 5.2. Business adaptation needs versus current Cohesion Policy support 49
- 5.3. The future of adaptation support in Cohesion Policy 50
- KEY FINDINGS 48
- 6. Recommendations for enhancing the role of Cohesion Policy in climate adaptation 52
- 6.1. Better tracking and mainstreaming of climate adaptation 52
- 6.2. Sector-specific pathways for Cohesion Policy adaptation support 53
- 6.3. Enhancing business awareness and accessibility of Cohesion Policy support for adaptation 53
- 6.4. Strengthening regional and local capacity for climate adaptation 54
- REFERENCES 55
- ANNEX 1: Additional funding data 60
- ANNEX 2: Managing Authorities survey 63
- ANNEX 3: Business survey 69
