Transition to a Low-carbon Europe : the Supporting Role of Cohesion Policy

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy has become an increasingly important long-term development goal as part of European and global commitments to respond to climate change. EU policies, including Cohesion policy, provide a foundation and stimulus to low-carbon investments. The impact on the ground depends on the sum and coordination of national and regional policies and actions. The structures and capacities as well as the level of coordination in the regions can have a major impact on the number and quality of low-carbon projects. The relevance of Cohesion policy programmes is also very much dependent on the overall funding allocated to the low-carbon theme. Drawing on the experience that IQ-Net programmes have gained in the implementation of low-carbon projects, it is valuable to draw lessons to support the efforts in the 2014-20 programme period, maximise results and impact, and plan for the future