WIREDGOV

The Commission adopted its Partnership Agreement with the Netherlands, laying down the country's Cohesion Policy investment strategy worth €2 billion for the period 2021-2027. Cohesion Policy funds will promote in the Dutch regions economic, social and territorial cohesion and help implementing key EU priorities such as the green and digital transition. The funds will also support the country's competitive, innovative and sustainable growth, improve social inclusion and develop skills of people having difficulties integrating into the labour market.

An innovative, energy-smart and greener Netherlands

The Cohesion Policy funds will support the green transition. In particular, €240 million from the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) will contribute to increase the share of renewable energy sources, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). ERDF will also help replacing fossil fuel sources by renewables, in line with the REPowerEU objectives.  

Moreover, €310 million will be dedicated to support research and innovation in SMEs and the transfer of knowledge to stimulate development and innovative ecosystems and smart specialisation.

€623 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) will help Dutch regions with large emission-intensive industrial clusters transitioning to a climate-neutral economy. For instance, due to the planned stop of natural gas production, the province of Groningen, which is particularly affected, will receive JTF support. JTF funds will be invested to safeguard and create jobs in businesses transitioning to climate neutrality and ensure up- and reskilling of the labour force to be ready to take up new jobs in the green economy.

Sustainable urban development close to citizens

9% of the ERDF will be dedicated to sustainable urban development and integrated investments based on ownership of the local communities in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague and Utrecht, for example, in the area of energy transition and circular economy.

Support for employment, skills and social inclusion

With more than €413 million, the European Social Fund+ will support people with difficulties finding and keeping a job by investing in training and re-training of workers. People will be supported through the development of basic, digital and other vocational skills, and through a broader set of social support measures. The ESF+ will also address child poverty by helping children going to school and participating in sport activities, will provide food and material aid for the most deprived and will invest in innovative measures to promote equal participation in the labour market, especially between men and women.

Sustainable fishery and aquaculture

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) will invest about €98 million in a more sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and processing chain in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. The entire programme has a strong focus on innovation, with particular emphasis on green transition/energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, consisting of technological research in cooperation between the sector and knowledge centres. The funds will also support ecological research and restoration in the North Sea.

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