ESIF

ESIF stands for European Structural and Investment Funds, the collective term for the European Union’s main budget streams used to implement its Cohesion Policy. The funds are designed to reduce regional disparities by supporting investment in infrastructure, human capital, research and innovation, the environment, rural development, and other areas across member states and regions. They aim to promote growth, job creation, social inclusion, and sustainable development throughout the EU.

The ESIF comprises several funds, including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF+, formerly ESF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which replaced the former European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in the 2021–2027 period. These funds work together to support a wide range of priorities, from infrastructure and innovation to education, health, and environmental protection.

Implementation is carried out under shared management within the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF). Each member state develops Partnership Agreements with the European Commission and translates those into national and regional programs. Managing authorities, often at national or regional levels, administer the funds, monitor performance, and ensure compliance, while the Commission provides oversight, audits, and strategic direction.

By aligning investments with EU objectives, the ESIF seek to strengthen economic convergence, improve competitiveness, and promote sustainable development across less-developed regions and sectors. The framework evolves with each MFF, reflecting changing policy priorities and financial rules.