Commission adopts ‘Partnership Agreement’ with The Czech Republic on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs in 2014-2020

The European Commission has adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with the Czech Republic setting down the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds throughout the country. Today’s agreement paves the way for investing €22 billion in total Cohesion Policy funding over 2014-2020 (current prices, including European Territorial Cooperation funding and the allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative). The Czech Republic also receives €2 billion for rural development and €31 million for the fisheries sector.

The EU investments will help tackle unemployment and boost competitiveness and economic growth through support to innovation, training and education in cities, towns and rural areas. They will also promote entrepreneurship, fight social exclusion and help to develop an environmentally friendly and a resource-efficient economy.

Commenting on the adoption, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn i said: "Today we have adopted a vital, strategic investment plan that sets the Czech Republic on the path to jobs and growth for the next 10 years. This Partnership Agreement reflects the European Commission and the Czech Republic's joint determination to make the most efficient use of EU funding -Our investments must be strategic, according to the new Cohesion Policy- focusing on the real economy, on sustainable growth and investing in people. But quality not speed is the paramount aim and in the coming months we are fully dedicated to negotiating the best possible outcome for investments from the European Structural and Investment Funds in 2014-2020. Commitment is needed on all sides to ensure good quality programmes are put in place.”

Commissioner Hahn added: "This investment strategy builds on the important contribution the Czech Republic is already making to help the EU meet its goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The Czech Republic now has a firm base in this Partnership Agreement that covers all Structural and Investment Funds and gives strategic direction to future programmes that will enhance innovation, transform Czech SMEs into models of growth, and secure the Czech Republic's growing reputation in sectors like energy, engineering and nano-technologies.The ESI Funds are helping Czech regions and cities to face these challenges."

More information:

Press Release on Rapid

Cohesion Policy and the Czech Republic

European Commission-the Czech Republic Partnership Agreement and Summary