### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions and transition regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 6% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . by derogation from point , in those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period but which are eligible under the category of transition or more developed regions as defined in article 82 and of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to each of the thematic objectives set in out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in transition regions : at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 15% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 12% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] by derogation from point , those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , and the regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period but which are eligible under the category of more developed regions as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , shall be considered as transition regions for the purpose of this article . by derogation from point and , all nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of an island or of several islands , shall be considered as less developed regions for the purpose of this article .


### each member state shall establish in its partnership contract a list of cities where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented and an indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level . at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development delegated to cities for management through integrated territorial investments referred to in article 99 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### taking into account its specific territorial situation , each member state shall establish in its partnership agreement the principles for the selection of urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented and an indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level . 2a . at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development where cities , sub - regional or local bodies responsible for implementing sustainable urban strategies shall be responsible for tasks relating at least to the selection of operations in accordance with article 113 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cpr ] , or , where appropriate , in accordance with article 113 of that regulation . the indicative amount to be dedicated for the purposes of paragraph shall be set out in the operational programme or operational programmes concerned . 2b . the managing authority shall decide , in consultation with the urban authority , the scope of tasks concerning the management of integrated actions for sustainable urban development which urban authorities shall undertake . the decision of the managing authority shall be formally recorded in writing . the managing authority may retain the right to undertake a final verification of eligibility of operations before approval .


### promoting social inclusion and combating poverty : investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , and transition from institutional to community - based services ; support for physical and economic regeneration of deprived urban and rural communities ; support for social enterprises ; ### promoting social inclusion and combating poverty through : investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , promoting social inclusion through improved access to social , cultural and recreational services and the transition from institutional to community - based services ; support for physical , economic and social regeneration of deprived communities in urban and rural areas ; support for social enterprises ; investments undertaken in the context of community - led local development strategies ;


### at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development delegated to cities for management through integrated territorial investments referred to in article 99 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### the erdf resources allocated at national level may be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development delegated to cities for management through integrated territorial investments referred to in article 99 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with that article and article 174 , second and third paragraphs , of tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic challenges and handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### common indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , shall be used where relevant and in accordance with article 24 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . for common indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , but may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . ### common output indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , programme - specific result indicators and , where relevant , programme - specific output indicators shall be used in accordance with article 24 and article 87 and of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . for common and programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero . cumulative quantified target values for these indicators shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , which relate to investment priorities , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 . targets may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 13 to amend the list of common output indicators in the annex to this regulation , in order to make adjustments , where justified to ensure effective assessment of progress in programme implementation .


### article 3 scope of support from the erdf the erdf shall support : productive investment , which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs , through direct aid to investment in small and medium - sized enterprises ; investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of energy , environment , transport , and information and communication technologies ; investments in social , health and educational infrastructure ; development of endogenous potential by supporting regional and local development and research and innovation . these measures shall include : fixed investment in equipment and small - scale infrastructure ; support for and services to enterprises , in particular smes ; support to public research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; networking , cooperation and exchange of experience between regions , towns , and relevant social , economic and environmental actors ; technical assistance . in more developed regions , the erdf shall not support investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of environment , transport , and ict . ### article 3 scope of support the erdf shall support the following activities in order to contribute to the investment priorities set out in article 5 : productive investment , which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs , through direct aid to investment in small and medium - sized enterprises ; productive investment , irrespective of the size of the enterprise , contributing to the investment priorities set out in article 5 . 1 and 5 . 4 , and , where it involves cooperation between large enterprises and smes , 5 . 2 ; investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of energy , environment , transport , and information and communication technologies ; investments in business , social , health , research , innovation and educational infrastructure ; investment in the development of endogenous potential through fixed investment in equipment and small - scale infrastructure ; including small - scale cultural and sustainable tourism infrastructure , services to enterprises , support to research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; networking , cooperation and exchange of experience between competent regional , local , urban and other public authorities , economic and social partners , and bodies representing civil society referred to in article 5 of the cpr , studies , preparatory actions and capacity building .


### article 9 innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development , subject to a ceiling of 0 , 2% of the total annual erdf allocation . they shall include studies and pilot projects to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level . 2 . by derogation to article 4 above , innovative actions may support all activities necessary to achieve the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities . 3 . the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 13 concerning procedures for the selection and implementation of innovative actions . ### article 8 innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development in accordance with article 84 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] . they shall include studies and pilot projects to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level . the commission shall encourage the involvement of relevant partners from the categories referred to in article 5 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2013 [ cpr ] in the preparation and implementation of innovative actions . 2 . by derogation to article 4 of this regulation , innovative actions may support all activities necessary to achieve the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities . 3 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 13 , laying down detailed rules concerning the principles for the selection and management of innovative actions to be supported .


### article 9 innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development , subject to a ceiling of 0 , 2% of the total annual erdf allocation . they shall include studies and pilot projects to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level . 2 . by derogation to article 4 above , innovative actions may support all activities necessary to achieve the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities . 3 . the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 13 concerning procedures for the selection and implementation of innovative actions . ### article 8 innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development in accordance with article 84 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] . they shall include studies and pilot projects to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level . the commission shall encourage the involvement of relevant partners from the categories referred to in article 5 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2013 [ cpr ] in the preparation and implementation of innovative actions . 2 . by derogation to article 4 of this regulation , innovative actions may support all activities necessary to achieve the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities . 3 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 13 , laying down detailed rules concerning the principles for the selection and implementation of innovative actions to be supported , the responsibilities of the relevant bodies involved and arrangement for monitoring , reporting , evaluation , management and control .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with that article and article 174 , second and third paragraphs , of tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### the commission shall establish , in accordance with article 51 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , an urban development platform to promote capacity - building and networking between cities and exchange of experience on urban policy at union level in areas related to the investment priorities of the erdf and to sustainable urban development . ### the commission , in accordance with article 51 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , shall promote capacity - building and networking between local authorities and exchange of experience on urban policy at union level in areas related to the investment priorities of the erdf and to sustainable urban development .


### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures : supporting a multimodal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network network ; enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ten - t infrastructure ; developing environment - friendly and low - carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility ; developing comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system ; ### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures through : supporting a multimodal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network network ; enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ten - t infrastructure , including multimodal nodes ; developing and improving environment - friendly , and low - carbon transport systems including inland waterways and maritime transport , ports , multimodal links and airport infrastructure , in order to promote sustainable regional and local mobility ; developing and rehabilitating comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system , and promoting noise - reduction measures ; improving energy efficiency and security of supply through the development of smart energy distribution , storage and transmission systems and through the integration of distributed generation from renewable sources ;


### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors : promoting the production and distribution of renewable energy sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ; supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ; developing smart distribution systems at low voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors through : promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises ; supporting energy efficiency , smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructures , including in public buildings , and in the housing sector ; developing and implementing smart distribution systems at low and medium voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for all types of territories , in particular for urban areas , including the promotion of sustainable multi - modal urban mobility and mitigation relevant adaptation measures ; promoting research in , innovation in and adoption of low - carbon technologies ; promoting the use of high - efficiency co - generation of heat and power based on useful heat demand ;


### supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ; ### supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructure ;


### supporting dedicated investment for adaptation to climate change ; ### supporting dedicated investment for eco - system based adaptation to climate change ;


### promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### promoting climate compatible and energy - saving strategies for mountain areas ;


### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures : ### promoting intermodal , sustainable transport and mobility , while focusing on improving existing infrastructure , removing rail bottlenecks in key network infrastructures and filling in missing trans - border links


### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas , taking into account the need to promote urban - rural linkages . 1a . sustainable urban development shall be undertaken through integrated territorial investments referred to in ex - article 99 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] or through a specific operational programme , or a specific priority axis in accordance with article 87 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] .


### investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , and transition from institutional to community - based services ; ### investing in health , sporting , cultural and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health and social status , promoting social inclusion through improved access to social , cultural and recreational services and the transition from institutional to community - based services ;


### the commission shall adopt a list of cities to participate in the platform on the basis of the lists established in the partnership contracts , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 14 . the list shall contain a maximum number of 300 cities , with a maximum number of 20 per member state . cities shall be selected based on the following criteria : population , taking account of the specificities of national urban systems ; the existence of a strategy for integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the activities of the urban development network shall be complementary to those undertaken under interregional cooperation pursuant to article 2 paragraph 3 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ etc ] .


### promoting social inclusion and combating poverty : investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , and transition from institutional to community - based services ; support for physical and economic regeneration of deprived urban and rural communities ; support for social enterprises ; ### promoting social inclusion and combating poverty through : investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , promoting social inclusion through improved access to social , cultural and recreational services and the transition from institutional to community - based services ; support for physical , economic and social regeneration of deprived communities in urban and rural areas ; support for social enterprises ; investments undertaken in the context of community - led local development strategies ;


### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period . ### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf under the investment for growth and jobs goal should be concentrated on research and innovation , information and communication technologies , small and medium - sized enterprises and promoting a low carbon economy . this concentration should be attained at national level allowing for flexibility at the level of operational programmes and in different categories of regions and should be adjusted , if appropriate , to take into account cohesion fund resources allocated to supporting the investment priorities referred to in article 3 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cf ] . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region , the contribution of cohesion fund resources if applicable , as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period and nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of islands .


### promoting employment and supporting labour mobility : development of business incubators and investment support for self - employment and business creation ; local development initiatives and aid for structures providing neighbourhood services to create new jobs , where such actions are outside the scope of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ esf ] ; investing in infrastructure for public employment services ; ### promoting sustainable and quality employment and supporting labour mobility through : supporting the development of business incubators and investment support for self - employment , micro - enterprises and business creation ; supporting employment friendly growth through the development of endogenous potential as part of a territorial strategy for specific areas , including the conversion of declining industrial regions and enhancement of accessibility to and development of specific natural and cultural resources ; supporting local development initiatives and aid for structures providing neighbourhood services to create new jobs , where such actions are outside the scope of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ esf ] ; investing in infrastructure for employment services ;


### promoting employment and supporting labour mobility : development of business incubators and investment support for self - employment and business creation ; local development initiatives and aid for structures providing neighbourhood services to create new jobs , where such actions are outside the scope of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ esf ] ; investing in infrastructure for public employment services ; ### promoting employment and supporting labour mobility through : supporting the development of business incubators and investment support for self - employment , micro - enterprises and business creation ; supporting employment friendly growth through the development of endogenous potential as part of a territorial strategy for specific areas , including the conversion of declining industrial regions and enhancement of accessibility to and development of specific natural and cultural resources ; supporting local development initiatives and aid for structures providing neighbourhood services to create new jobs , where such actions are outside the scope of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ esf ] ; investing in infrastructure for employment services ;


### article 3 scope of support from the erdf the erdf shall support : productive investment , which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs , through direct aid to investment in small and medium - sized enterprises ; investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of energy , environment , transport , and information and communication technologies ; investments in social , health and educational infrastructure ; development of endogenous potential by supporting regional and local development and research and innovation . these measures shall include : fixed investment in equipment and small - scale infrastructure ; support for and services to enterprises , in particular smes ; support to public research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; networking , cooperation and exchange of experience between regions , towns , and relevant social , economic and environmental actors ; technical assistance . in more developed regions , the erdf shall not support investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of environment , transport , and ict . ### article 3 scope of support the erdf shall support the following activities in order to contribute to the investment priorities set out in article 5 : productive investment , which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs , through direct aid to investment in small and medium - sized enterprises ; productive investment , irrespective of the size of the enterprise , contributing to the investment priorities set out in article 5 . 1 and 5 . 4 , and , where it involves cooperation between large enterprises and smes , 5 . 2 ; investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of energy , environment , transport , and information and communication technologies ; investments in business , social , health , research , innovation and educational infrastructure ; investment in the development of endogenous potential through fixed investment in equipment and small - scale infrastructure ; including small - scale cultural and sustainable tourism infrastructure , services to enterprises , support to research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; networking , cooperation and exchange of experience between competent regional , local , urban and other public authorities , economic and social partners , and bodies representing civil society referred to in article 5 of the cpr , studies , preparatory actions and capacity building .


### developing environment - friendly and low - carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility ; ### developing sustainable transport systems for all forms of transport , while ensuring the lowest possible carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban mobility ;


### each member state shall establish in its partnership contract a list of cities where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented and an indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level . at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development delegated to cities for management through integrated territorial investments referred to in article 99 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### taking into account its specific territorial situation , each member state shall establish in its partnership agreement the principles for the selection of urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented and an indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level . 2a . at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development where cities , sub - regional or local bodies responsible for implementing sustainable urban strategies shall be responsible for tasks relating at least to the selection of operations in accordance with article 113 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cpr ] , or , where appropriate , in accordance with article 113 of that regulation . the indicative amount to be dedicated for the purposes of paragraph shall be set out in the operational programme or operational programmes concerned . 2b . the managing authority shall decide , in consultation with the urban authority , the scope of tasks concerning the management of integrated actions for sustainable urban development which urban authorities shall undertake . the decision of the managing authority shall be formally recorded in writing . the managing authority may retain the right to undertake a final verification of eligibility of operations before approval .


### developing comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system ; ### developing comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway and port system ;


### common indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , shall be used where relevant and in accordance with article 24 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . for common indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , but may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . ### common output indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , programme - specific result indicators and , where relevant , programme - specific output indicators shall be used in accordance with article 24 and article 87 and of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . for common and programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero . cumulative quantified target values for these indicators shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , which relate to investment priorities , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 . targets may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 13 to amend the list of common output indicators in the annex to this regulation , in order to make adjustments , where justified to ensure effective assessment of progress in programme implementation .


### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions and transition regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 6% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . by derogation from point , in those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period but which are eligible under the category of transition or more developed regions as defined in article 82 and of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to each of the thematic objectives set in out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in transition regions : at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 15% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 12% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] by derogation from point , those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , and the regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period but which are eligible under the category of more developed regions as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , shall be considered as transition regions for the purpose of this article . by derogation from point and , all nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of an island or of several islands , shall be considered as less developed regions for the purpose of this article .


### protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency : addressing the significant needs for investment in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the environmental acquis ; addressing the significant needs for investment in the water sector to meet the requirements of the environmental acquis ; protecting , promoting and developing cultural heritage ; protecting biodiversity , soil protection and promoting ecosystem services including natura 2000 and green infrastructures ; action to improve the urban environment , including regeneration of brownfield sites and reduction of air pollution ; ### protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency through : investing in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to address needs , identified by member states , for investment going beyond those requirements ; investing in the water sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to address needs , identified by member states , for investment going beyond those requirements ; conserving , protecting , promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage ; protecting and restoring biodiversity , soil protection and restoration and promoting ecosystem services including natura 2000 and green infrastructures ; action to improve the urban environment , revitalisation of cities , regeneration and decontamination of brownfield sites , reduction of air pollution and promotion of noise - reduction measures ; promoting innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector , water sector , soil protection or to reduce air pollution ; supporting industrial transition towards a resource - efficient economy , promoting green growth , eco - innovation and environmental performance management in the public and private sectors ;


### the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs , linked to the handicaps referred in article&#160 ; 349 of the treaty , incurred in the outermost regions in supporting : the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no&#160 ; [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; freight transport services and start - up aid for transport services ; operations linked to storage constraints , the excessive size and maintenance of production tools , and lack of human capital in the local market . at least 50% of the specific additional allocation shall be allocated to actions contributing to the diversification and modernisation of the economies of the outermost regions , with a particular focus on the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 and 3 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall not be subject to article 4 and be used to offset the additional costs , linked to the characteristics and constraints referred to in article&#160 ; 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , incurred in the outermost regions in supporting : the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no&#160 ; [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; freight transport services and start - up aid for transport services ; operations linked to storage constraints , the excessive size and maintenance of production tools , and lack of human capital in the local market .


### the erdf shall not support : the decommissioning of nuclear power stations ; the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in installations falling under directive 2003 / 87 / ec ; the manufacturing , processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products ; undertakings in difficulties as defined under union state aid rules . ### the erdf shall not support : the decommissioning of nuclear power stations ; investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities falling under annex i to directive 2003 / 87 / ec ; the manufacturing , processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products ; undertakings in difficulties as defined under union state aid rules ; investment in airport infrastructure other than that related to environmental protection , unless accompanied by investments necessary to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact .


### specific attention should be paid to the outermost regions , namely by extending , on an exceptional basis , the scope of the erdf to the financing of operating aid linked to the offsetting of the additional costs resulting from their specific economic and social situation , which is compounded by the handicaps resulting from the factors referred to in article 349 of the treaty , namely their remoteness , insularity , small size , difficult topography and climate and their economic dependence on a few products , the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development . in order to support the development of existing and new economic activities , at least 50% of the specific additional allocation should be allocated to actions contributing to the diversification and modernisation of the economies of the outermost regions . ### specific attention should be paid to the outermost regions , namely by extending , on an exceptional basis , the scope of the erdf to the financing of operating aid linked to the offsetting of the additional costs resulting from their specific economic and social situation , which is compounded by the handicaps resulting from the factors referred to in article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , namely their remoteness , insularity , small size , difficult topography and climate and their economic dependence on a few products , the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development . operating aid granted by member states in this context is exempt from the notification obligation laid down in article 108 tfeu , if , at the time it is granted , it fulfils the conditions laid down by a regulation declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of articles 107 and 108 tfeu adopted pursuant to article 1 of regulation no 994 / 98 .


### enhancing the competitiveness of smes : promoting entrepreneurship , in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms ; developing new business models for smes , in particular for internationalisation ; ### enhancing the competitiveness of smes through : promoting entrepreneurship , in particular by facilitating the economic exploitation of new ideas and fostering the creation of new firms , including through business incubators ; developing and implementing new business models for smes , in particular for internationalisation ; supporting the creation and the extension of advanced capacities for product and service development ; supporting the capacity of smes to engage in growth in regional , national and international markets , and in innovation processes ;


### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors : promoting the production and distribution of renewable energy sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ; supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ; developing smart distribution systems at low voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors through : promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises ; supporting energy efficiency , smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructures , including in public buildings , and in the housing sector ; developing and implementing smart distribution systems at low and medium voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for all types of territories , in particular for urban areas , including the promotion of sustainable multi - modal urban mobility and mitigation relevant adaptation measures ; promoting research in , innovation in and adoption of low - carbon technologies ; promoting the use of high - efficiency co - generation of heat and power based on useful heat demand ;


### the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs , linked to the handicaps referred in article&#160 ; 349 of the treaty , incurred in the outermost regions in supporting : the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no&#160 ; [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; freight transport services and start - up aid for transport services ; operations linked to storage constraints , the excessive size and maintenance of production tools , and lack of human capital in the local market . at least 50% of the specific additional allocation shall be allocated to actions contributing to the diversification and modernisation of the economies of the outermost regions , with a particular focus on the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 and 3 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . 2 . the specific additional allocation may also be used to help finance operating aid and expenditure covering public service obligations and contracts in the outermost regions . 3 . the amount to which the rate of co - financing applies shall be proportionate to the additional costs referred to in paragraph 1 incurred by the beneficiary in the case of operating aid and expenditure covering public service obligations and contracts only , and may cover the total eligible costs in the case of expenditure for investment . 4 . financing under this article shall not be used to support : operations involving products falling within annex i to the treaty ; aids to transport of persons authorised under article 107 of the treaty ; tax exemptions and exemption of social charges . ### the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall not be subject to article 4 and be used to offset the additional costs , linked to the characteristics and constraints referred to in article&#160 ; 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , incurred in the outermost regions in supporting : the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no&#160 ; [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; freight transport services and start - up aid for transport services ; operations linked to storage constraints , the excessive size and maintenance of production tools , and lack of human capital in the local market . 2 . the specific additional allocation may also be used to help finance operating aid and expenditure covering public service obligations and contracts in the outermost regions . 3 . the amount to which the rate of co - financing applies shall be proportionate to the additional costs referred to in paragraph 1 incurred by the beneficiary in the case of operating aid and expenditure covering public service obligations and contracts only , and may cover the total eligible costs in the case of expenditure for investment . 4 . financing under this article shall not be used to support : operations involving products falling within annex i to the treaty on the functioning of the european union ; aids to transport of persons authorised under article 107 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union ; tax exemptions and exemption of social charges . 4a . by derogation from article 3 , points , and , the erdf may support productive investments in enterprises in the outermost regions , irrespectively of their size . 4 b . the erdf part of the special allocation for the outermost region of mayotte shall not be subject to article 4 of this regulation , and at least 50% shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 6 of article 9 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with that article and article 174 , second and third paragraphs , of tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic challenges and handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures : supporting a multimodal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network network ; enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ten - t infrastructure ; developing environment - friendly and low - carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility ; developing comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system ; ### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures through : supporting a multimodal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network network ; enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ten - t infrastructure , including multimodal nodes ; developing and improving environment - friendly , and low - carbon transport systems including inland waterways and maritime transport , ports , multimodal links and airport infrastructure , in order to promote sustainable regional and local mobility ; developing and rehabilitating comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system , and promoting noise - reduction measures ; improving energy efficiency and security of supply through the development of smart energy distribution , storage and transmission systems and through the integration of distributed generation from renewable sources ;


### specific provisions concerning the type of activities which may be supported by the erdf under the thematic objectives defined in regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] should be laid down . at the same time , expenditure outside the scope of the erdf should be defined and clarified , including as regards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in installations falling under directive 2003 / 87 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 october 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the community and amending council directive 96 / 61 / ec . ### specific provisions concerning the type of activities which may be supported by the erdf in order to contribute to the investment priorities within the thematic objectives defined in regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cpr ] should be laid down . at the same time , expenditure outside the scope of the erdf should be defined and clarified , including investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the activities listed in annex i to directive 2003 / 87 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 october 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the community .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 9 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from 1 january 2014 . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 9 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of three years from1 . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the three year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended until the review of this regulation , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than 3 months before the end of that period . __________________ 1 oj : please insert date of entry info force of this regulation .


### the erdf shall support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] : ### the erdf shall support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in accordance with needs and potentials described in the partnership agreement referred to in article 14 of that regulation :


### the commission shall adopt a list of cities to participate in the platform on the basis of the lists established in the partnership contracts , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 14 . the list shall contain a maximum number of 300 cities , with a maximum number of 20 per member state . cities shall be selected based on the following criteria : population , taking account of the specificities of national urban systems ; the existence of a strategy for integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the activities of the urban development network shall be complementary to those undertaken under interregional cooperation pursuant to article 2 paragraph 3 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ etc ] .


### promoting employment and supporting labour mobility : development of business incubators and investment support for self - employment and business creation ; local development initiatives and aid for structures providing neighbourhood services to create new jobs , where such actions are outside the scope of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ esf ] ; investing in infrastructure for public employment services ; ### promoting employment and supporting labour mobility through : supporting the development of business incubators and investment support for self - employment , micro - enterprises and business creation ; supporting employment friendly growth through the development of endogenous potential as part of a territorial strategy for specific areas , including the conversion of declining industrial regions and enhancement of accessibility to and development of specific natural and cultural resources ; supporting local development initiatives and aid for structures providing neighbourhood services to create new jobs , where such actions are outside the scope of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ esf ] ; investing in infrastructure for employment services ;


### promoting investment to address specific risks , ensuring disaster resilience and developing disaster management systems ; ### promoting and supporting investment to address specific risks , ensuring disaster resilience and developing disaster management systems ;


### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period . ### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf under the investment for growth and jobs goal should be concentrated on research and innovation , information and communication technologies , small and medium - sized enterprises and promoting a low carbon economy . this concentration should be attained at national level allowing for flexibility at the level of operational programmes and in different categories of regions and should be adjusted , if appropriate , to take into account cohesion fund resources allocated to supporting the investment priorities referred to in article 3 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cf ] . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region , the contribution of cohesion fund resources if applicable , as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period and nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of islands .


### in order to define procedures for the selection and implementation of innovative actions , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the content and scope set out in article 9 . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to supplement this regulation with certain non - essential elements , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the criteria for the selection of innovative actions , the responsibilities of the relevant bodies involved and the requirements for monitoring , reporting , evaluation , management and control of innovative actions . the commission should also be empowered to amend the annex to this regulation , which contains non - essential elements , where justified , to ensure the effective assessment of progress in programme implementation . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### in order to define procedures for the selection and implementation of innovative actions , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the content and scope set out in article 9 . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to supplement this regulation with certain non - essential elements , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of detailed rules for the criteria for the selection and management of innovative actions . the commission should also be empowered to amend the annex to this regulation , in order to make adjustments , where justified , to ensure the effective assessment of progress in programme implementation . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### article 3 scope of support from the erdf the erdf shall support : productive investment , which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs , through direct aid to investment in small and medium - sized enterprises ; investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of energy , environment , transport , and information and communication technologies ; investments in social , health and educational infrastructure ; development of endogenous potential by supporting regional and local development and research and innovation . these measures shall include : fixed investment in equipment and small - scale infrastructure ; support for and services to enterprises , in particular smes ; support to public research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; networking , cooperation and exchange of experience between regions , towns , and relevant social , economic and environmental actors ; technical assistance . in more developed regions , the erdf shall not support investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of environment , transport , and ict . ### article 3 scope of support the erdf shall support the following activities in order to contribute to the investment priorities set out in article 5 : productive investment , which contributes to creating and safeguarding sustainable jobs , through direct aid to investment in small and medium - sized enterprises ; productive investment , irrespective of the size of the enterprise , contributing to the investment priorities set out in article 5 . 1 and 5 . 4 , and , where it involves cooperation between large enterprises and smes , 5 . 2 ; investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens in the areas of energy , environment , transport , and information and communication technologies ; investments in business , social , health , research , innovation and educational infrastructure ; investment in the development of endogenous potential through fixed investment in equipment and small - scale infrastructure ; including small - scale cultural and sustainable tourism infrastructure , services to enterprises , support to research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; networking , cooperation and exchange of experience between competent regional , local , urban and other public authorities , economic and social partners , and bodies representing civil society referred to in article 5 of the cpr , studies , preparatory actions and capacity building .


### protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency : addressing the significant needs for investment in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the environmental acquis ; addressing the significant needs for investment in the water sector to meet the requirements of the environmental acquis ; protecting , promoting and developing cultural heritage ; protecting biodiversity , soil protection and promoting ecosystem services including natura 2000 and green infrastructures ; action to improve the urban environment , including regeneration of brownfield sites and reduction of air pollution ; ### protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency through : investing in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to address needs , identified by member states , for investment going beyond those requirements ; investing in the water sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to address needs , identified by member states , for investment going beyond those requirements ; conserving , protecting , promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage ; protecting and restoring biodiversity , soil protection and restoration and promoting ecosystem services including natura 2000 and green infrastructures ; action to improve the urban environment , revitalisation of cities , regeneration and decontamination of brownfield sites , reduction of air pollution and promotion of noise - reduction measures ; promoting innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector , water sector , soil protection or to reduce air pollution ; supporting industrial transition towards a resource - efficient economy , promoting green growth , eco - innovation and environmental performance management in the public and private sectors ;


### investing in education , skills and lifelong learning by developing education and training infrastructure ; ### investing in affordable quality childcare , education , skills , training and lifelong learning by developing infrastructure for education , training and culture ;


### investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , and transition from institutional to community - based services ; ### investing in health , social and physical mobility infrastructure which contributes to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , and transition from institutional to community - based services ;


### the erdf shall not support : the decommissioning of nuclear power stations ; the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in installations falling under directive 2003 / 87 / ec ; the manufacturing , processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products ; undertakings in difficulties as defined under union state aid rules . ### the erdf shall not support : the decommissioning of nuclear power stations ; investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities falling under annex i to directive 2003 / 87 / ec ; the manufacturing , processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products ; undertakings in difficulties as defined under union state aid rules ; investment in airport infrastructure other than that related to environmental protection , unless accompanied by investments necessary to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact .


### the commission shall establish , in accordance with article 51 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , an urban development platform to promote capacity - building and networking between cities and exchange of experience on urban policy at union level in areas related to the investment priorities of the erdf and to sustainable urban development . ### the commission , in accordance with article 51 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , shall promote capacity - building and networking between local authorities and exchange of experience on urban policy at union level in areas related to the investment priorities of the erdf and to sustainable urban development .


### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas , taking into account the need to promote urban - rural linkages . 1a . sustainable urban development shall be undertaken through integrated territorial investments referred to in ex - article 99 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] or through a specific operational programme , or a specific priority axis in accordance with article 87 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] .


### investing in education , skills and lifelong learning by developing education and training infrastructure ; ### investing in education , skills , lifelong learning and culture by developing education and training infrastructure and promoting cultural heritage ;


### promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ; ### promoting energy efficiency , micro - generation , renewable energy use by member states and their adaptation to the demands of sustainable development and low carbon economy , including the investment support , to information , training and mentoring as well as innovation of smes in the field of low - carbon technologies ;


### investing in health and social infrastructure which contribute to national , regional and local development , reducing inequalities in terms of health status , and transition from institutional to community - based services ; ### investing in health , educational , cultural and social infrastructure which contribute to the integration of the most disadvantaged groups , including access for disabled people , reducing inequalities in terms of health , training and cultural status ;


### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions and transition regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 6% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . by derogation from point , in those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period but which are eligible under the category of transition or more developed regions as defined in article 82 and of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to each of the thematic objectives set in out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in transition regions : at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 15% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 12% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] by derogation from point , those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , and the regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period but which are eligible under the category of more developed regions as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , shall be considered as transition regions for the purpose of this article . by derogation from point and , all nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of an island or of several islands , shall be considered as less developed regions for the purpose of this article .


### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban and other territorial development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , demographic and social challenges affecting urban and other territorial areas .


### specific provisions concerning the type of activities which may be supported by the erdf under the thematic objectives defined in regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] should be laid down . at the same time , expenditure outside the scope of the erdf should be defined and clarified , including as regards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in installations falling under directive 2003 / 87 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 october 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the community and amending council directive 96 / 61 / ec . ### specific provisions concerning the type of activities which may be supported by the erdf in order to contribute to the investment priorities within the thematic objectives defined in regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cpr ] should be laid down . at the same time , expenditure outside the scope of the erdf should be defined and clarified , including investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the activities listed in annex i to directive 2003 / 87 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 october 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the community .


### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures : supporting a multimodal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network network ; enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ten - t infrastructure ; developing environment - friendly and low - carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility ; developing comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system ; ### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures through : supporting a multimodal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network network ; enhancing regional mobility through connecting secondary and tertiary nodes to ten - t infrastructure , including multimodal nodes ; developing and improving environment - friendly , and low - carbon transport systems including inland waterways and maritime transport , ports , multimodal links and airport infrastructure , in order to promote sustainable regional and local mobility ; developing and rehabilitating comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway system , and promoting noise - reduction measures ; improving energy efficiency and security of supply through the development of smart energy distribution , storage and transmission systems and through the integration of distributed generation from renewable sources ;


### protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency : addressing the significant needs for investment in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the environmental acquis ; addressing the significant needs for investment in the water sector to meet the requirements of the environmental acquis ; protecting , promoting and developing cultural heritage ; protecting biodiversity , soil protection and promoting ecosystem services including natura 2000 and green infrastructures ; action to improve the urban environment , including regeneration of brownfield sites and reduction of air pollution ; ### preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency through : investing in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to address needs , identified by member states , for investment going beyond those requirements ; investing in the water sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to address needs , identified by member states , for investment going beyond those requirements ; conserving , protecting , promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage ; protecting and restoring biodiversity , soil protection and restoration and promoting ecosystem services including natura 2000 and green infrastructures ; action to improve the urban environment , revitalisation of cities , regeneration and decontamination of brownfield sites , reduction of air pollution and promotion of noise - reduction measures ; promoting innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector , water sector , soil protection or to reduce air pollution ; supporting industrial transition towards a resource - efficient economy , promoting green growth , eco - innovation and environmental performance management in the public and private sectors ;


### specific attention should be paid to the outermost regions , namely by extending , on an exceptional basis , the scope of the erdf to the financing of operating aid linked to the offsetting of the additional costs resulting from their specific economic and social situation , which is compounded by the handicaps resulting from the factors referred to in article 349 of the treaty , namely their remoteness , insularity , small size , difficult topography and climate and their economic dependence on a few products , the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development . in order to support the development of existing and new economic activities , at least 50% of the specific additional allocation should be allocated to actions contributing to the diversification and modernisation of the economies of the outermost regions . ### specific attention should be paid to the outermost regions , namely by extending , on an exceptional basis , the scope of the erdf to the financing of operating aid linked to the offsetting of the additional costs resulting from their specific economic and social situation , which is compounded by the handicaps resulting from the factors referred to in article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , namely their remoteness , insularity , small size , difficult topography and climate and their economic dependence on a few products , the permanence and combination of which severely restrain their development . operating aid granted by member states in this context is exempt from the notification obligation laid down in article 108 tfeu , if , at the time it is granted , it fulfils the conditions laid down by a regulation declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of articles 107 and 108 tfeu adopted pursuant to article 1 of regulation no 994 / 98 .


### the erdf shall not support : the decommissioning of nuclear power stations ; the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in installations falling under directive 2003 / 87 / ec ; the manufacturing , processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products ; undertakings in difficulties as defined under union state aid rules . ### the erdf shall not support : the decommissioning and the construction of nuclear power stations ; investment to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities falling under annex i to directive 2003 / 87 / ec ; the manufacturing , processing and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products ; undertakings in difficulties as defined under union state aid rules ; investment in airport infrastructure unless related to environmental protection or accompanied by investments necessary to mitigate or reduce its negative environmental impact .


### article 9 innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development , subject to a ceiling of 0 , 2% of the total annual erdf allocation . they shall include studies and pilot projects to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level . 2 . by derogation to article 4 above , innovative actions may support all activities necessary to achieve the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities . 3 . the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 13 concerning procedures for the selection and implementation of innovative actions . ### article 8 innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development in accordance with article 84 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2013 [ cpr ] . they shall include studies and pilot projects to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level . the commission shall encourage the involvement of relevant partners from the categories referred to in article 5 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2013 [ cpr ] in the preparation and implementation of innovative actions . 2 . by derogation to article 4 of this regulation , innovative actions may support all activities necessary to achieve the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities . 3 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 13 , laying down detailed rules concerning the principles for the selection and implementation of innovative actions to be supported , the responsibilities of the relevant bodies involved and arrangement for monitoring , reporting , evaluation , management and control .


### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions and transition regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 6% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . by derogation from point , in those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period but which are eligible under the category of transition or more developed regions as defined in article 82 and of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to each of the thematic objectives set in out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in transition regions : at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2013 [ cpr ] ; and at least 15% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 12% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] by derogation from point , those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , and the regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period but which are eligible under the category of more developed regions as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , shall be considered as transition regions for the purpose of this article . by derogation from point and , all nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of island member states or of islands which are situated in member states which receive support from the cohesion fund , or which are outermost regions , shall be considered as less developed regions for the purpose of this article .


### developing environment - friendly and low - carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility ; ### developing environment - friendly and low - carbon transport systems


### within the framework of sustainable urban development , it is considered necessary to support integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas and to define a procedure to establish the list of cities covered by such actions and the financial allocation set aside for such actions . ### within the framework of sustainable urban development , it is considered necessary to support integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas , including functional urban areas , and to promote urban rural linkages .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with that article and article 174 , second and third paragraphs , of tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic challenges and handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors : promoting the production and distribution of renewable energy sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ; supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ; developing smart distribution systems at low voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors through : promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises ; supporting energy efficiency , smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructures , including in public buildings , and in the housing sector ; developing and implementing smart distribution systems at low and medium voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for all types of territories , in particular for urban areas , including the promotion of sustainable multi - modal urban mobility and mitigation relevant adaptation measures ; promoting research in , innovation in and adoption of low - carbon technologies ; promoting the use of high - efficiency co - generation of heat and power based on useful heat demand ;


### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the erdf shall support , within operational programmes , sustainable and inclusive urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , cultural , social , employment and demographic challenges affecting urban and peri - urban areas .


### the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall be used to offset the additional costs , linked to the handicaps referred in article&#160 ; 349 of the treaty , incurred in the outermost regions in supporting : the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no&#160 ; [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; freight transport services and start - up aid for transport services ; operations linked to storage constraints , the excessive size and maintenance of production tools , and lack of human capital in the local market . at least 50% of the specific additional allocation shall be allocated to actions contributing to the diversification and modernisation of the economies of the outermost regions , with a particular focus on the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 and 3 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### the specific additional allocation for the outermost regions shall not be subject to article 4 and be used to offset the additional costs , linked to the characteristics and constraints referred to in article&#160 ; 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , incurred in the outermost regions in supporting : the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no&#160 ; [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; freight transport services and start - up aid for transport services ; operations linked to storage constraints , the excessive size and maintenance of production tools , and lack of human capital in the local market .


### each member state shall establish in its partnership contract a list of cities where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented and an indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level . at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development delegated to cities for management through integrated territorial investments referred to in article 99 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### taking into account its specific territorial situation , each member state shall establish in its partnership agreement the principles for the selection of urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented and an indicative annual allocation for these actions at national level . 2a . at least 5% of the erdf resources allocated at national level under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urban development where cities , sub - regional or local bodies responsible for implementing sustainable urban strategies shall be responsible for tasks relating at least to the selection of operations in accordance with article 113 of regulation no [ … ] / 2013 [ cpr ] , or , where appropriate , in accordance with article 113 of that regulation . the indicative amount to be dedicated for the purposes of paragraph shall be set out in the operational programme or operational programmes concerned . 2b . the managing authority shall decide , in consultation with the urban authority , the scope of tasks concerning the management of integrated actions for sustainable urban development which urban authorities shall undertake . the decision of the managing authority shall be formally recorded in writing . the managing authority may retain the right to undertake a final verification of eligibility of operations before approval .


### enhancing institutional capacity and an efficient public administration by strengthening of institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations and public services related to implementation of the erdf , and in support of actions in institutional capacity and in the efficiency of public administration supported by the esf . ### enhancing institutional capacity and an efficient public administration by strengthening of institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations and public services , and in support of actions in institutional capacity and in the efficiency of public administration .