The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF, also referred to as EFRR) serves as one of the primary financial instruments of the European Union's cohesion policy.

Resources from the ERDF are directed toward regional development, focusing primarily on investments that generate new jobs and build public infrastructure. The fund also promotes business development in less developed areas, along with research, development, and environmental investments.

The central aim of the ERDF is to redress main regional imbalances within the European Union and to reduce the lag of the most disadvantaged regions.

What does the ERDF fund?

For the 2021–2027 programming period, the ERDF focuses on five key objectives:

• A more competitive and smarter Europe – promoting innovation, digitalization, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• A greener Europe – focusing on energy efficiency enhancement, transition to renewable energy, and carbon footprint reduction.
• A more connected Europe – investing in transport systems and regional connectivity.
• A more social Europe – supporting social inclusion, education, healthcare access, culture, and sustainable tourism.
• A Europe closer to citizens – encouraging locally led, sustainable development strategies across the EU.

Which regions are eligible for ERDF funding?

Financial support is accessible in all regions; however, the level of co-financing and the scope of funded activities vary depending on whether the target area is classified as a less developed, transition, or more developed region.