The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a European Union funding instrument dedicated to strengthening economic, social, and territorial cohesion by reducing disparities between regions. Operating across all EU member states, it co-finances investments that support innovation, competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in regional economies.
Managed under shared governance between the European Commission and national/regional authorities, the ERDF provides grants through multi‑year operational programmes. Typical priorities include research and development, digitalization, SME growth, energy efficiency, renewable energy, circular economy initiatives, environmental infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The fund often supports industrial modernisation and decarbonisation projects, including those relevant to process industries and related value chains. ERDF financing is typically combined with national or private co‑funding to leverage additional investment and deliver measurable regional impacts.