The European Commission Recently Published its 6th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, the rapport shows that European cohesion policies are effective in obtaining the objectives for growth in the Europe 2020 strategy. This is achieved by means of (among others) job creation and the reduction of inequality throughout Europe. Regarding the period 2014-2020 the report outlines how investment in particular areas such as energy efficiency, employment, social cohesion and SMEs are key to ensure optimal benefits for EU citizens.
The report analyses the state of cohesion within the EU and pays specific attention to the challenges the economic downturn poses to central, regional and local governments. It shows that EU cohesion policy has been an important factor in the maintenance of the level of public investment in EU member states. Through the injection of investment resources EU cohesion policies have helped to ensure the stable financial environment in its member states necessary to attract private investment.
Furthermore the EU cohesion policies have made €38 billion available to support the shift to a more environmentally-friendly economy, through investments for energy efficiency and renewables, while up to €33 billion will support Europe's SMEs to become more competitive.
For a short version of the cohesion report click here. For more information on EU cohesion policies click here.
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/reports/cohesion6/index_en.cfm