Maximising the synergies between Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund programmes is possible now with the guidance published by the European Commission on 5th July 2022.

In recent years, the Commission has tried to bring the Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe closer, becoming an important priority when preparing for 2021-2027. Its aim is to reinforce the impact of both policies by creating complementarities, particularly in less developed and peripheral regions.

The document covers legal and implementation details of all new opportunities for achieving operational synergies, including for the Seal of Excellence, transfer, cumulative funding, co-funded and Institutionalised Partnerships, Teaming, and upstream/downstream synergies including missions.

It is important to highlight that this guidance is particularly welcome by AEIDL. The Association has been working on a range of territorial development projects financed by Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, and has also been involved in supporting the effective delivery on the ground of the EU Structural and Investment Funds programmes.