Cohesion policy is the European Union's main investment policy. It provides benefits to all EU regions and cities and supports economic growth, job creation, business competitiveness, sustainable development and environmental protection. In the European Community (now the European Union) there have always been large territorial and demographic disparities, which can constitute obstacles to integration and development in Europe.

The Treaty of Rome (1957) created solidarity mechanisms in the form of two funds: the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF, Guidance section). In 1975, regional aspects were introduced with the creation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In 1994, the Cohesion Fund was also created. With the Single European Act of 1986, economic and social cohesion became a competence of the European Community.

In 2008, the Lisbon Treaty introduced a third dimension of EU cohesion: territorial cohesion. These three strands of cohesion receive support through cohesion policy and the Structural Funds. Today, a considerable part of its activities and its budget is devoted to reducing disparities between regions.

• Guest: Doctor Francisco Barros Castro;
  Member of the Office of Commissioner Elisa Ferreira, responsible for Cohesion and Reform at the European Commission.
• Date: April 8 (Thursday) from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm;
• Conference via Zoom: https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/86751963963