The Commission has formally proposed that €376 billion should be available across the EU for Cohesion policy, of which €84 billion should be available for European Social Fund.  Cohesion policy will be tied more systematically to the Europe 2020 objectives. In addition to the existing Convergence and Competitiveness classification of regions a ‘transition' region will apply to those regions where GDP per capita is 75 - 90%. There will be a strong link between the national action plans MS are required to draw up to show how they will achieve the Europe 2020 objectives. For the better off regions (transition and competitiveness), European Regional Development Funding will be restricted to a limited number of priorities i.e. to energy efficiency, renewable energies, SME competitiveness and innovation. Member states priorities under the European Social Fund will not, however, be restricted. See the Commission website for more information on the financial perspective.

In the 5th Cohesion Report (read the key proposals ), the Commission proposed that certain thematic objectives, such as innovation, would be obligatory. Ministers underlined that obligatory thematic objectives established at EU-level may counter the alignment with circumstances on the ground. Ministers also voiced the need for an enhanced cooperation of the different Funds, including the harmonisation of their rules, the optional use of multi-fund programmes and flexible geographical scope of programmes. See the Informal Ministerial Meeting Conclusions for more information.

Leading UK negotiations on the Structural Fund Programme 2014 - 2020, Sue Baxter gave a presentation on the UK's position at an event, May 19, held by our London member LVSTC. Download the presentation and see the LVSTC website for more information on the event.

The contributions were received from many different groups, including Member States, economic and social partners, regional and local authorities as well as citizens, European interest organisations on territorial issues, private companies and civil society organisations.

The Staff working document presenting the results of the public consultation has just been published and is available here: 

Commission Staff Working Paper - 5th Cohesion Report

Responding to the Commission's Budget Review paper (see below) published in October last year the EU Select Committee have adopted the 'EU Financial Framework from 2014'. The report addresses, amongst other things, Europe 2020 and the priority of inclusive growth. The report refers to TSEN's evidence submission at paragraphs 96 and 166.

See the EU Select Committee Report

See the TSEN Evidence Submission

Responses to the Commission's consultation on the 5th Cohesion Report are now available the their website. Contributions are from Academia, Civil Society, the Economic & Social Partners, Member State Governments. See some selected responses below:

Third Sector European Network Ltd

Merseyside Network for Europe

European Antipoverty Network

Directorate General Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion

UK Government: Letter -Contribution

The report contains detailed analysis of the regions in terms of GDP, productivity and employment. It identifies the Structural challenges with which Member States and regions will be confronted in the years ahead. It provides a first assessment of the impact of European cohesion policy in the 2007-2013 programming period, as well as of the preparation for the new period 2014-2020.

The report also includes 10 questions to kick off the debate across Europe on the future of Cohesion policy. The consultation closes January 11 2011. See the 5th Cohesion Report - Consultation Questions. The Cohesion report was published November 10 2010. See the 5th Cohesion Report to download a copy.

See the key proposals

See this link for more information about the Committees responsible for determining the ESF Programme at a European level and for summaries of the speeches and workshops of the high level 'Future of ESF Conference' .