Cohesion Policy Funds 2021-2027: Management of European funding

EU funding can be managed jointly by the European Commission and national authorities, directly by the European Commission or indirectly by other authorities inside or outside the EU, depending on the nature of the funding concerned.

The allocation of direct funding capital is managed by the European Institutions. There are two types of funding available: grants and contracts. You can apply for grants and contracts managed by the European Commission on the Funding and Tenders portal.

Grants

Grants are given to specific projects that relate to EU policies, usually following a public announcement known as a call for proposals.

You may apply for a grant if you run a business or a related organisation (business associations, business support providers, consultants) that runs projects that further the interests of the EU, or if you contribute to the implementation of an EU programme or policy.

Contracts

Contracts are issued by EU institutions to buy services, goods or works that they need for their operations – such as studies, training, conference organisation or IT equipment.

Funding is managed under programmes jointly administered by the European Commission and national and regional authorities. These programmes comprise nearly 80% of the EU budget, mainly through 5 big funds that come under the umbrella of the European Structural and Investment Funds.

The funds are:

• European Regional Development Fund
• European Social Fund
• European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
• European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
• Cohesion Fund – Ireland is not eligible for support through the Cohesion Fund

Some funding programmes are implemented by national authorities either inside or outside the EU, international organisations, or development agencies of EU countries.

Further information on how it works is available on the European Commission website.