Unitary programming for development and cohesion

The 2021–2027 programming period marks a new phase for the Abruzzo Region, guided by a unitary strategy that integrates European and national resources to support sustainable growth, social inclusion, innovation, and territorial cohesion.

The Region coordinates three key financial instruments within a single strategic framework:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
• European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
• Development and Cohesion Fund (FSC)

Together, these funds represent a comprehensive investment plan aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, strengthening communities, and promoting the competitiveness and resilience of the regional economy.

This approach reflects the vision outlined in “Abruzzo Prossimo 2030”, based on four fundamental pillars:

Roots – Identity – Community – Security

These values inspire all regional policies and ensure that every action contributes to a shared vision of an Abruzzo that grows together, leaving no one and no territory behind.

The integrated use of ERDF, ESF+, and FSC resources ensures the coherence, complementarity, and additionality of interventions.

Each fund contributes specific instruments to a common goal:

• ERDF
  • Main focus: Innovation, Digitalization, Green Transition, Competitiveness
  • Strategic Objective: Boosting sustainable economic development
• ESF+
  • Main focus: Employment, Training, Social Inclusion
  • Strategic Objective: Investing in people and skills
• FSC
  • Main focus: Infrastructure, Territorial Cohesion, Environment, Governance
  • Strategic Objective: Strengthening the territorial and administrative foundations

This unified programming model makes it possible to coordinate investments, avoid duplication, and maximize the regional impact of every euro spent.

Total regional resources for 2021–2027 over €2.3 billion, including:

• ERDF Abruzzo 2021–2027: € 681 million
• ESF+ Abruzzo 2021–2027: € 406 million
• FSC Abruzzo 2021–2027: € 1.257 billion

These funds are programmed in synergy to generate long-term value, modern infrastructures, green growth, innovation, and employment opportunities.

The Region has defined five strategic thematic areas that integrate actions funded by all three instruments.

Innovation and enterprise development are at the heart of the regional strategy.

Through the combined support of ERDF and FSC, and the skills actions funded by ESF+, the Region promotes:

• Research infrastructures and collaborative innovation projects;
• Technology transfer and digital transformation of enterprises;
• Support for start-ups and SMEs;
• Development of sustainable tourism and creative industries;
• Training programs for digital and green skills.

Objective: Strengthen the innovation ecosystem and improve productivity across all sectors.

Total indicative resources: Over €400 million (ERDF + FSC + ESF+).

Environmental protection and sustainability are key priorities of the unitary programming.

Integrated actions financed by FSC and ERDF aim to:

• Enhance natural and landscape heritage;
• Support renewable energy and energy efficiency;
• Mitigate hydrogeological and climate risks;
• Modernize water management systems;
• Strengthen biodiversity and circular economy initiatives.

Objective: Make Abruzzo a model region for green transition and environmental resilience.

Total indicative resources: Over €600 million (FSC + ERDF).

A fair and cohesive society is built through education, inclusion, and local participation.

With ESF+ actions complemented by FSC investments, the Region works to:

• Improve access to quality education and vocational training;
• Promote social inclusion and equal opportunities;
• Support vulnerable groups and fight poverty;
• Redevelop community and sport facilities;
• Strengthen social innovation and community networks.

Objective: Build stronger, more inclusive communities across urban, rural, and inner areas.
Total indicative resources: Over €300 million (ESF+ + FSC).

Connectivity is a precondition for competitiveness and quality of life.

Through FSC and ERDF co-financing, the Region is investing in:

• Road, rail, port, and airport infrastructures;
• Sustainable and smart mobility systems;
• Urban regeneration and green public spaces;
• Integrated logistics and industrial accessibility.

Objective: Ensure territorial cohesion and accessibility for people and goods.

Total indicative resources: Over €700 million (FSC + ERDF).

An effective public administration is essential to manage complex development programs.

The Region supports the modernization and digitalization of institutions through FSC and ESF+ resources, focusing on:

• Capacity building and staff training;
• Strengthening local authorities and Unions of Municipalities;
• Digital transformation of administrative processes;
• Monitoring, evaluation, and technical assistance.

Objective: Reinforce governance, efficiency, and transparency in public management.

Total indicative resources: Over €100 million (FSC + ESF+).

All regional, national, and European resources converge toward a single goal:

• to make Abruzzo a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive region, capable of facing the challenges of the future with unity and vision.

This integrated approach ensures that every euro invested -whether from European or national sources - contributes to a shared and coherent development path, consistent with the values of Abruzzo Prossimo 2030.