The European Commission would like to strengthen public relations work in this regard by means of a call for project proposals that has now been published for information measures on EU cohesion policy. It aims to increase media coverage of cohesion policy content, particularly at regional level. Citizens should be made more aware of the concrete effects of structural policy programs on their lives than before.
Public outreach should generally focus on the concrete implementation of the EU structural programs, with particular emphasis on the new Fund for a Just Transition and the Reconstruction Plan for Recovery from the Pandemic.
The proposals aim to illustrate and assess the role of cohesion policy in implementing the European Commission’s political priorities and in addressing current and future challenges for the EU, Member States, regions and local actors, as stated in the tender documents. Specifically, the aim is to clarify the contribution that European cohesion policy makes in the EU countries to the following political goals:
- Promoting jobs, growth and investment at regional and national level and improving the quality of life for citizens
- Support in the implementation of key E priorities, such as combating climate change, protecting the environment and promoting research and innovation
- Promote economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU while reducing inequalities within and between countries and regions of the EU
- Helping regions seize the opportunities of globalization by finding their niche in the world economy
- Strengthening the European project as cohesion policy benefits EU citizens directly.
Media organizations, non-profit organizations, universities and educational institutions, research centers and think tanks, and private institutions can submit proposals until January 11, 2022. Authorities can also participate as long as they are not involved in the implementation of the various structural policy funding instruments.
The call guide provides more details on the Commission’s call.