EleanorMurphyEuropeanFundingIntegratedTerritorial.pdfVIP

Research and Information Service Briefing Paper Paper 88/13 13 March 2013 NIAR 183-13 Eleanor Murphy European Funding: Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) 1 Introduction In October 2011, the European Commission adopted draft legislative proposals for EU cohesion policy for 2014-2020. The new proposals are designed to ensure that EU investment is targeted on the Commission’s long term goals for growth and jobs and aim to harmonise the rules related to different European Funds1. EU Cohesion Policy invests in areas such as energy efficiency; training; research and innovation; transport; support for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs); renewable energy; and co- operation between European regions. The Commission is proposing changes to the Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020 in order to deliver the Europe 2020 Strategy2 objectives with a greater focus on results and positive outcomes and to maximise the impact of European Funding3. One aspect of the cohesion policy is promoting social cohesion and tackling issues such as social and economic deprivation. 1 European Commission - http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/what/future/proposals_2014_2020_en.cfm 2 See http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm 3 European Commission Presentation on EU Cohesion Policy http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/regulation/pdf/2014/proposals/presentation_final_en.ppt Providing research and information services to the Northern Ireland Assembly 1 NIAR 183-13 Briefing Paper In an effort to reinforce territorial cohesion the Commission believes that European cities h