The Commission adopted today its Partnership Agreement with Germany, laying down Germany’s investment strategy for more than €20 billion in cohesion funding for the period 2021-2027 to support German regions in promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in line with key EU priorities such as the green and digital transition.
The funds will also contribute to the country’s competitive, innovative and sustainable growth. The Partnership Agreement covers 3 cohesion policy funds: the European Regional and Development Fund; the European Social Fund Plus; the Just Transition Fund; as well as the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. It paves the way for 52 operational programmes to start implementation on the ground. The Partnership Agreement also reflects Germany’s strong commitment to the coordinated use of the cohesion policy funds with the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Under cohesion policy, and in cooperation with the Commission, each Member State prepares a Partnership Agreement, a strategic document for programming investments from the cohesion policy funds and the EMFAF during the Multiannual Financial Framework. Focussed on EU priorities, it lays down the strategy and investment priorities identified by the Member State and presents a list of national and regional programmes for implementation on the ground, including the indicative annual financial allocation for each programme.
More social cohesion
Germany will strongly promote social cohesion, with more than 30% of overall funds being allocated to this goal. In particular, the ESF+ will support inclusive and high-quality vocational education and training, including apprenticeships, as well as lifelong learning. It will also support the development of socially inclusive services, such as improving the employability of disadvantaged groups and creating assisting services for older people like care and companionship services. Moreover, the funds will help the workforce and businesses in growing more resilient by supporting investments in upskilling and reskilling to create a climate-neutral, more digital and inclusive society. Particular attention will be given to measures in the field of social inclusion, for example combatting child poverty and the integration of migrants and refugees, including those fleeing the Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said: 'The European Social Fund Plus will play an important role in Germany in helping people find new and better jobs, acquiring the skills they need for the jobs in demand, and providing a safety net to the most vulnerable in society. The ESF has already co-funded numerous important projects in Germany including in combatting homelessness, helping young people transition from school into the labour market, and supporting refugees in finding a job. The Partnership Agreement adopted today will help Germany to meet the national targets under the Pillar of Social Rights on employment, lifelong learning and reducing poverty.'
The Partnership Agreement with Germany is the second agreement for the new funding period, following the one for Greece.
