European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

ERDF is one of the ESI funds

The ERDF is one of the European structural and investment funds (ESI funds). There are national ERDF programmes. In the Netherlands they are divided into regional programmes. There are also international programmes (Interreg).

The ERDF and less developed regions

The ERDF is mainly for the less developed regions of Europe, but more developed regions can also use the fund. The can use the money to increase competitiveness and employment.

The ERDF in the Netherlands

The Netherlands will receive €506 million from the EU budget for the period 2021-2027 to carry out its ERDF programmes. This money will be divided among the 4 regional ERDF programmes: 

• Northern Netherlands
• Eastern Netherlands
• Southern Netherlands
• Western Netherlands

All ERDF programmes focus on making Europe smarter and greener. ERDF money can be used to fund economic activities aimed at innovation (smarter) and the transition to a low-carbon economy (greener). It is intended mainly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

You can find examples of projects on www.europaomdehoek.nl.