On 29 June 2026, the Council (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs) reached a partial general approach on the draft Regulation establishing the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), including Interreg, and the Cohesion Fund for the 2028-2034 period. Certain provisions in brackets were excluded from the agreement.
The ERDF aims to redress regional imbalances and reduce disparities, with particular attention to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions with severe natural or demographic handicaps, such as northernmost low-density regions, islands, cross-border and mountain regions. The Cohesion Fund supports environment and TEN-T transport infrastructure projects in Member States with GNI per capita below 90% of the EU average. Support is provided under the National and Regional Partnership Fund as per the NRP Regulation.
cross-border (with a maximum sea separation of 150 km), transnational, interregional, and outermost regions' cooperation. Specific objectives include 'better cooperation governance', 'a safer and more secure Europe', and 'more resilient regions bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine'. A 'PEACEPLUS' cross-border chapter supports North-South cooperation on the island of Ireland under the Good Friday Agreement. The Regulation should enter into force urgently on the day after publication in the Official Journal.
The partial general approach marks a key step in the legislative process, with the European Parliament expected to adopt its position in the coming months. The agreement balances regional development needs with geopolitical priorities, particularly support for eastern border regions and the island of Ireland. Stakeholders, including regional authorities and transport infrastructure operators, will be affected by the funding priorities and eligibility criteria. The Council's agreement provides a basis for further negotiations with the European Parliament.