Climate Proofing EU Structural and Cohesion Funds

November 17th, 2009, Brussels

We have the pleasure to announce our forthcoming conference “Climate Proofing EU Structural and Cohesion Funds” where we will address and explore how climate change fits into the important decisions on the future of cohesion policy and the EU budget review that are to be taken in the next three years at EU level. The conference aims to engage members of the European Parliament, EU officials and national/regional governments, civil society and the media in one day of constructive discussion. 

There is a growing consensus that climate change is one of the biggest challenges for European regions. Its impacts will hit both the human and non-human environment and pose significant constraints to regional and local economies. Therefore, mitigating and adapting to climate change requires urgent policy actions supported by targeted funding resources. Taking timely action to place society and the economy on a low carbon development pathway can also help to create green jobs and market opportunities while ensuring energy security and long-term prosperity.

EU structural and cohesion funds are the second biggest line in the EU budget, providing 347 billion euros in the 2007-2013 period for the purpose of delivering regional development and social cohesion. The 2007-2013 financial period provided new opportunities for EU funds to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport systems and integrated urban development. However, what we have seen is a considerable chunk of the funds being allocated for projects and schemes which look set to lock countries into climate intensive development scenarios.

In this context, the conference will seek to address the following issues:

·         What is the climate impact of EU funds programmes and projects? Including the presentation of a new analysis and case studies about the implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation projects for the 2007-2013 financial period.
·         What are the opportunities and success factors based on good practice for the 'de-carbonisation' of EU funds programmes and projects in the transport and energy sectors?
·         What are the common problems and barriers affecting the use of the EU funds for climate mitigation and adaptation projects?
·         What kind of cohesion policy does the EU need in order to deliver low carbon development in the European regions, including recommendations for the climate proofing of the future cohesion policy and the new financial perspective 2014-2020.

The conference is organised by CEE Bankwatch Network / Friends of the Earth Europe together with the European NGO Coalition on Sustainable EU funds in collaboration with the European Greens. The organisers are able to reimburse travel, visa and accommodation costs for most participants.

A registration form will be available and circulated from mid-August 2009. *In the meantime we ask you to note the date if you are interested in attending. *

Please note also that CEE Bankwatch Network, in collaboration with Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank, is organising a conference on the development responsibilities of the European Investment Bank on November 18, the day after. Participants are warmly encouraged to attend both conferences.

For more information, please contact: Monika Matus, monia.matus@bankwatch.org
Tel.: +32 (0) 2 893 103

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