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EU funds in the Czech Republic > Information about the Funds

Information about funds

European Union funds represent the key instrument for the implementation of the European cohesion policy. Finances invested through these funds aim to reduce economic and social disparities among the Member States and their regions. Successful applicants may draw finances from these funds through various operational programmes. Apart from Structural and Investment Funds there is a whole range of other theme-oriented multinational funds established by the European Union.

Structural and Investment Funds

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Focuses on modernizing and strengthening the economy. It supports investment (infrastructure) projects, e.g. road and railway construction, environmental burden elimination, sewerage system installation, support of entrepreneurs’ innovative potential, sports facilities development and redevelopment, cultural site renovation, regenerative vegetation planting, healthcare infrastructure construction or repair, e-government services introduction, etc. Founded in 1975, it has remained the largest fund in terms of the volume of finances.

European Social Fund (ESF)

Since 1957 the ESF has been supporting activities relating to employment and human resources development. The fund is focused on non-investment (non-infrastructure) projects, such as retraining courses for the unemployed, special programmes for disabled persons, children, youth, ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups, creation of innovative educational programmes for employees, development of employment service institutions and improvement of educational programmes.

Cohesion Fund (CF)

Unlike the structural funds, the Cohesion Fund aims to support the development of poorer countries, not regions. Similarly as the ERDF, it provides finances for investment (infrastructure) projects, but focuses merely on large-scale transport infrastructure (e.g. Trans-European Networks), environmental protection as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy. The fund was established in 1993.

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

Represents a financial instrument to support rural development, which falls under the EU Common Agricultural Policy. The EAFRD finances are used to increase agriculture and forestry competitiveness, improve the environment and landscape as well as the quality of life in rural areas and diversify the rural economy. Established in 2007, the EAFRD replaced the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund.

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

Represents a financial instrument to support fisheries, which comes under the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The fund supports projects leading to higher competitiveness and environmental protection. It finances activities related to marine and inland fisheries (e.g. mud dredging of ponds), provides investment also for modernization of the processing industry, modernization of vessels, support for the liquidation of currently inadequate vessels, improvement of aquaculture - etc. For the programming period 2014-2020 the EMFF replaced the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).


Other funds

Apart from the Structural and Investment Funds, the European Union supports a variety of activities also thanks to finances from other funds. Some of these are, for example:

European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF)

The fund provides fast and flexible financial assistance during large-scale natural disasters. Any Member State that has sustained damages exceeding 0.6% of its GDP may apply for the assistance. In addition, the fund may provide support for preventive measures against natural disasters.

European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF)

The fund contributes to financing projects aimed at helping workers made redundant as a result of globalization, i.e. in the case of a large company becoming bankrupt, relocation of a production plant outside of the EU or if a large number of people employed in a certain industry are dismissed in a specific area all at once.

Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD)

The FEAD supports the EU Member States in providing material assistance to people in poverty. It finances purchases of e.g. food, clothing and essential personal items, such as toiletry supplies - etc. The fund aims at supporting the underprivileged in their better integration into society.

Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF)

The fund supports the effective management of migration flows and the implementation, strengthening and development of a common EU approach to asylum and immigration. This fund consists of another four funds: External Borders Fund (EBF), European Return Fund (RF), European Refugee Fund (ERF) and European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals (EIF).

European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI)

The EFSI is to promote long-term economic growth and competitiveness in the European Union. Its objective is to strengthen private investment in projects in various areas, such as in infrastructure, research and innovation, education, healthcare as well as information and communication technologies. Operating since 2015, the fund is financed from the EU budget and by the European Investment Bank.


These funds fall within the competence of the European Commission or institutions authorised by the Commission. More information about the possibilities of drawing finances from these funds can be found via the links included in their names.

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