Enhancing Impacts of Cohesion Policy in the EU

The European Commission (DG EMPL and DG REGIO) and the World Bank (Development Impact, People and Private Sector Groups) are collaborating to enhance the effectiveness of EU cohesion and competitiveness policies. A joint initiative with EU member states will embed trial-and-adopt impact evaluations and enhance data systems to amplify impacts of projects financed by the European Social Fund (ESF+), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF). It will focus on how best to design and implement policies to create jobs, build skills and improve human development in lagging regions.