Ukraine Hungarian border – Photo EC
(BRUSSELS) – The EU Council gave the go-ahead Monday to Member States to redirect 2014-2020 cohesion policy funds towards emergency support to people fleeing from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in their territory.
The swift amendment of the legislation on EU funds is a clear statement of the EU’s continued solidarity with the refugees from Ukraine and with the member states hosting them, in particular those sharing borders with Ukraine.
The changes agreed include exceptional flexibility to transfer resources between programmes financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund to address the inflow of refugees.
This includes investments in education, employment, housing, health and childcare services, but also on basic material assistance like food and clothing. In addition the implementation period of the three Home Affairs funds will be extended by one year.
The new rules will support Member States on migration and border management needs arising from the arrivals of people fleeing the war against Ukraine, especially as regards first reception needs such as emergency accommodation, food, healthcare and extra staff.
Further information is available on the EU efforts to support Ukraine and Member States welcoming those fleeing the war against Ukraine on the EU’s dedicated website.
Regulation on Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE)
