BRUSSELS (Chatnewstv.com) — The European Union on Thursday approved new laws to allow cohesion funds to be used more flexibly for emerging challenges, including defence, security, climate transition, and affordable housing.
The measures are part of the mid-term review of the EU’s cohesion policy and amend regulations covering the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, and the European Social Fund Plus.
“The EU must be better prepared for tomorrow’s challenges,” said Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre. “The legislation adopted today will enable member states to spend EU cohesion funds on defence, security, and civil preparedness. This is an important step towards a European Union that takes responsibility for its own security.”
The revised rules also target investments in competitiveness, decarbonisation, secure access to water, sustainable water management, and support for eastern border regions. Officials said the changes introduce new incentives and flexibility to accelerate the deployment of existing resources.
The regulations, adopted by co-legislators in record time, will be published in the EU’s official journal in the coming days and enter into force immediately after publication.
The mid-term review devotes half of cohesion funds for 2026 and 2027 — the so-called “flexibility reserve” — to these priorities. Programs that allocate at least 15% of their funds to areas such as defence, housing, or water resilience will qualify for additional pre-financing, up to 100% EU funding, and an extra year of eligibility until Dec. 31, 2030.
The update builds on the EU’s ReArm Europe Plan, a broader initiative aimed at strengthening defence readiness while aligning investments with climate and economic objectives.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
