The transition to a greener Europe and the role of European cohesion policy

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The cohesion policy is the main investment policy of the European Union to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion in the member countries. In the 2021-2027 programming period, its second goal is to create a greener, decarbonized and climate-resilient Europe. The strategy adopted for this purpose envisages directing resources and investments to support the climate and environmental policies it defines green deal European. the green deal It sets the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Complementary goals are to enhance the competitiveness of industry with zero emissions and to create an environment more conducive to production and deployment technologies and products greens, ensuring access to clean and equitable energy. Therefore, policy coherence is called upon to make a significant contribution to the implementation green dealand support regions and local governments in achieving a sustainable transition.

Investments for a greener Europe

The resources allocated by the Structural Funds support investments on a regional basis in the areas of energy, natural resource management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, circular economy and sustainable mobility in Member States.

One of the priorities of this investment plan is energy efficiency and renewable energies that enhance energy saving and efficiency of public buildings and infrastructure smart energy systems, Modernization of distribution networks and electricity storage capacity, which is crucial for the expected increase in electric vehicles. The plan also envisages investments in transportation infrastructure and sustainable urban mobility, as well as a circular economy, water and waste resource management, and protection of biodiversity and natural resources. Finally, the Coherence Policy provides for support for actions to adapt to climate change and manage associated risks through investments to support areas vulnerable to extreme weather events, hydrogeological instability, desertification and sea level rise.

A sustainable and just transition

New in the current programming period is the introduction of Just Transition Fund, which aims to support the diversification and re-transformation of local economic systems most affected by sustainable transformation. In particular, priority will be given to those regions with an economic structure that relies on carbon-intensive industrial activities (such as extraction and production of fossil fuels, steel, and cement) that are likely to suffer the most negative repercussions. In order to mitigate the social and economic costs of the transition, assistance will be provided to small and medium-sized enterprises in these regions, research and innovation activities will be supported, and the return to the labor market will also be facilitated by updating the professional skills of workers. So far, the use of the fund is still relatively limited, both in terms of resources and geographical coverage (in Italy only Taranto and Solcis Iglesente benefit from it). In any case, it is only the first pillar of a broader just transition mechanism, which should also protect the most vulnerable individuals by combating, for example, the emergence of energy poverty.