A family cycling during Car Free Sunday, Brussels, Belgium, 20 September 2020.
What is the EU doing to improve things where I live?
Between 2021 and 2027, the EU plans to invest €378 billion in its regions. With investment from the Member States added to the total, this will reach €550 billion.
The EU invests locally in towns and regions to boost jobs and the economy and improve quality of life. It aims to make a difference in five key areas.
Helping people to get into employment and education, or helping to include them in society
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Aiding research and innovation
Modernising transport and energy in order to fight climate change
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Protecting and improving the environment
Supporting small and medium-sized businesses
Take a look around your area and you will soon find a school, a bridge, a hospital or another project that has benefited from EU funding. Thousands of projects have received support from EU regional programmes over the years. Below are just a few examples of projects that are, or soon will be, making a difference to people’s lives across the EU.
Raising healthcare standards in Poland
The largest public hospital in Toruń has been transformed into one of Poland’s leading medical facilities, thanks to a €52.7 million EU-supported renovation. Centralised, high-quality healthcare means patients now wait less time for treatment.
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Better road connections in Greece
Residents, tourists and businesses in Greece will all benefit from an important new section of motorway. EU funding worth €255 million is supporting the construction of the missing link between Lamia and Xyniada. This will connect the regions of central Greece and western Thessaly to the main motorway network.
© Hebi B. / Pixabay
Sustainable swimming in Belgium
A swimming pool renovation at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) is making a splash for sustainability. The new facility uses 60 % less energy and emits 500 tonnes less CO2 annually than the old pool, and is open to swimmers from outside the university. The project received just over €2 million in EU funding.
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Greener cities and regions
A more reliable and efficient energy supply in Czechia, 21 new electric trains to improve Croatia’s rail network and measures to increase flood safety in Hungary are among 14 green projects that will benefit EU citizens. More than €1.4 billion of EU funds is being invested in seven EU countries in areas such as the environment, health, transport and energy.
© iStock.com/kynny
High-speed broadband connects rural Romania
The EU-supported RO-Net project has connected 400 000 people, over 8 500 businesses and almost 3 000 public institutions in remote rural areas of Romania to broadband. Around 665 villages and towns now have access to online healthcare, education and shopping. People can also sell products from local households and farms online.
© iStock.com/ FatCamera
Green playgrounds in Paris
Concrete schoolyards across Paris are being turned into cool, green islands capable of storing water and reducing heat. Supported by almost €5 million in EU funding, the OASIS project is helping to protect Parisians from the effects of climate change, while creating spaces where children can have fun.
How can I get help with funding? Researcher, farmer, entrepreneur or artist? Find out about who’s eligible for funding.
Find out about projects in your region that have received EU funding.