The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a key financial instrument of the EU's cohesion policy, aimed at reducing economic and social disparities between regions. For the 2021-2027 period, the ERDF has a budget of €226 billion to support investments across all EU regions. The ERDF focuses on five main priorities: a smarter Europe through innovation and digitalization; a greener, low-carbon Europe; a more connected Europe with strategic transport and digital networks; a more social Europe delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights; and a Europe closer to citizens by supporting locally-led development strategies. Funding is available to public bodies, private sector organizations, universities, associations, NGOs, and voluntary organizations. The amount of financing varies greatly depending on the project and region, with less developed regions receiving higher co-financing rates. Key criteria for receiving funding include alignment with ERDF priorities, demonstrable impact on regional development, and adherence to EU regulations. Projects must also typically secure matching funding from national or regional sources. Recent ERDF-supported initiatives include the development of research facilities in Poland, sustainable urban mobility projects in Spain, and support for SMEs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple EU countries.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) could potentially support the development of the European Housing Cooperative (EHC) in several ways. The ERDF aims to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU, which aligns with EHC's goal of addressing the housing crisis across Europe. The ERDF's focus on making Europe greener and more connected could support EHC's sustainable housing and pan-European mobility objectives. Specifically, the fund's priorities around energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development could help finance eco-friendly housing projects and renovations proposed by EHC. The ERDF's emphasis on social inclusion and equal access aligns with EHC's mission to provide affordable housing. The fund's support for locally-led development strategies could assist EHC in partnering with local housing cooperatives. Potential ERDF programs that could support EHC include those focused on sustainable urban development, energy efficiency in buildings, and social innovation. The fund has previously supported projects like energy-efficient social housing renovations and cooperative housing initiatives in various EU countries. To access ERDF funding, EHC would likely need to partner with regional or national authorities to include their initiatives in operational programs. The cooperative structure and pan-European approach of EHC could make it an innovative candidate for ERDF support in addressing housing challenges across the EU.