The key pillars, projects shaping the future and what comes next
From a state-of-the-art metro system in Sofia, to a “smart” capital city in Nicosia and an innovative artificial intelligence platform in Bucharest, the European Union’s Cohesion Policy is not an abstract concept related solely to figures and budgets, but a driving force behind projects that shape our everyday lives.
Cohesion Policy is the EU’s main investment tool for reducing regional disparities, supporting sustainable development and strengthening social and economic cohesion among Member States.
According to the European Commission, almost €392 billion has been allocated for the 2021–2027 period to support investments aimed at creating a more competitive and “smarter” Europe, enhancing connectivity through improved mobility, promoting sustainable and integrated development across all types of territories, and strengthening the Union’s social and inclusive dimension.
Recognising that a strong Union cannot exist if some regions prosper while others are left behind, funding is primarily directed towards less developed regions (mainly those with a GDP per capita below 75% of the EU average), as well as island, mountainous and sparsely populated areas, and urban centres facing significant social challenges.
Characteristic examples of how Cohesion Policy has transformed citizens’ everyday lives are highlighted both in the digital series Cohesion Now and in the Flipbook created as part of the “Signs of Cohesion Policy in Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania” programme.
Watch all 9 episodes of the TV series Cohesion Now HERE!
Sofia: A new era for urban mobility
The mobility landscape of European cities is evolving, with Bulgaria turning a new page in public transport. The creation of Sofia Metro Line 3 stands as tangible proof of this transformation.
European funding covered more than 70% of the cost of the project’s respective sections, making a decisive contribution to the expansion of a modern transport network in Bulgaria’s capital.
Today, the metro serves more than 40% of Sofia’s passengers, transporting between 450,000 and 500,000 people every day. With the completion of new extensions, this figure is expected to exceed 50%. This is an investment that improves not only urban mobility but also contributes significantly to reducing traffic congestion and pollutant emissions, making Sofia a more sustainable and functional city for its residents.
Romania: Artificial Intelligence at the service of citizens
In Bucharest, Romanian company Soft Tehnica used European funding to develop AIDOO, an advanced artificial intelligence platform that is transforming the way businesses and organisations communicate with citizens and customers.
AIDOO operates as an intelligent digital assistant capable of managing requests in call centres, reducing waiting times and improving the customer service experience. At the same time, through conversation analysis tools, it helps organisations and businesses better understand users’ needs and continuously improve their services.
Beyond technological innovation, the project strengthened the development of specialised digital skills, created employment opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence and highlighted Romania as a country that does not simply follow technological developments, but actively contributes to shaping them.
The Cyprus of tomorrow is… “smart”!
In the “heart” of old Nicosia, at the facilities of the CYENS Centre of Excellence, the Smart Nicosia project is being developed and coordinated. It is an initiative of the Municipality of Nicosia, in close collaboration with CYENS, aiming to transform the capital into a modern laboratory of digital governance.
With a total budget of €8.1 million, of which €4.86 million is secured through European funding from the “THALIA 2021–2027” programme, the project introduces new technological solutions into the city’s everyday operations.
Through the use of smart sensors, parking applications, waste management systems, environmental monitoring stations and free Wi-Fi networks, Smart Nicosia is creating a new model of urban management centred around citizens. The initiative is a characteristic example of the European objective of “A Europe closer to its citizens”, as it harnesses digital technology to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, making Nicosia smarter, more sustainable and more accessible.
Thousands of new jobs and opportunities for growth
Beyond major infrastructure and technological investments, Cohesion Policy represents a significant driver of job creation and skills development across Europe.
In Cyprus, the “THALIA 2021–2027” programme is expected to make a substantial contribution to employment growth, with estimated short-term increases of around 3,000, 8,500 and 10,000 new jobs through investments in human capital, training, entrepreneurship and innovation. At the same time, Bulgaria and Romania, through their national programmes under the 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy framework, contribute to the broader European objective of creating 1.3 million new jobs across the EU, supporting employment, skills development and the transition towards a greener and more digital economy.
What comes after 2027?
As the current programming period approaches its conclusion, discussions on the future of Cohesion Policy have already begun. The European Commission and Member States are examining ways to make the policy more flexible, simpler and better adapted to the new challenges of our time.
At the centre of these discussions are the competitiveness of the European economy, the green and digital transitions, energy security, regional resilience, and the response to demographic and geopolitical challenges.
At the same time, the European Commission emphasises that regions and local authorities will continue to play a decisive role in designing and implementing investments, preserving the fundamental character of Cohesion Policy as a policy built “from the bottom up”.
