Do Member States' National Recovery and Resilience Plans envisage measures aiming to boost investment and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence? Find background information on what the EU does (in terms of regulation and investment) to ensure its competitiveness in the field, as well as a set of country examples and selected measures from various national plans.
The RRF aims to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion within the EU by mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, particularly for women. It also strives to foster upward economic and social convergence, implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, and facilitate the creation of high-quality employment opportunities. Discover more about the RRF's social dimension and how it contributes to long-term social resilience.
Amidst the rise of money laundering linked to terrorist financing during COVID-19, twelve Member States have incorporated robust anti-money laundering (AML) measures into their national recovery plans, notably reforms. In addition, three countries have earmarked €18.4 million for AML-related investments. Delve deeper into the RRF supported efforts to combat money laundering across Member States.
The importance of digitalising public services became evident during the COVID-19 outbreak, but the need transcends the pandemic. The RRF and all national recovery and resilience plans acknowledge that the digital transformation of government is key for the success of the European Union’s single market, and the most efficient way to provide faster, cheaper and better services. Dig deeper into examples of measures included in the recovery plans, tailored to each country’s context.
The RRF, temporary but impactful, supports reforms and investments with a medium- to long-term impact in the education sector. Learn how the RRF’s 'Policies for next generation' pillar promotes reforms and investments in education, training and skills, including digitalisation initiatives, which are crucial for the future of economies and societies.
The energy sector is crucial for the green transition and the competitiveness of the European Union economy. The RRF supports a wide range of investment and reform measures in the field of energy, including the energy efficient renovation of private and public buildings, the deployment of solar and wind energy, and improvements in energy infrastructure and networks. Find out more about the projects financed in your country and across the EU.
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected women, making them one of the most vulnerable social groups. Discover how Member States have integrated gender equality objectives into their national recovery and resilience plans under the RRF. Explore innovative reforms and investments aimed at addressing gender-related challenges, such as ICT training in Estonia and Spain's 'Women's Talent Programme' for entrepreneurs.
The COVID-19 pandemic stretched the limits of even the EU's top-performing health systems. This has prompted Member States to reassess and strengthen their healthcare strategies. As part of their national recovery and resilience plans, they have introduced reforms and investments expected to enhance the resilience and efficiency of healthcare sectors. Find out more about the projects financed in your country and across the EU, ranging from modernising primary care and infrastructure to addressing staff shortages and digitalising health services.
Supporting SMEs is crucial for post-pandemic economic resilience, with national recovery plans prioritising measures such as digital upskilling, decarbonisation, and regulatory easing. Explore how these initiatives align with the EU's SME strategy, focusing on access to finance, sustainability, and regulatory simplification.
Aggressive tax planning (ATP) exploits tax system differences, diminishing tax payments, and impacting revenue and competitiveness. Six Member States (Ireland, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands) have incorporated measures to contain ATP in their recovery plans. These efforts encompass introducing withholding taxes, reinforcing transfer pricing rules and enforcing citizenship-by-investment regulations. Discover more about the efforts to combat ATP financed under the recovery plans.
It is estimated that about 45 % of the RRF resources will support social and territorial cohesion in the EU. This means ensuring everyone, regardless of where they live or their social background, has access to similar opportunities and quality of life. Most of the expenditure will be used to improve transportation networks, utilities, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other public services (police, fire departments, libraries). Learn about the breadth of initiatives, such as a network of local community nursing for elderly people in Italy, the construction of a training centre for the biotech and biopharma sector in Belgium, and flood protection programmes in Croatia.
Discover why digital transformation is a key priority under the RRF, with EU Member States allocating an average 26% of their RRF funds to this pillar. Explore the requirements of the RRF regulation and how EU Member States are approaching digital spending in their individual national recovery and resilience plans.
National recovery plans include measures such as new rail connections and clean vehicles. They also involve investments in new infrastructure for recharging and digital systems for public transport. Other initiatives focus on modernising rolling stock and offering tax relief for clean vehicles. Additionally, there's promotion of active mobility and efforts to enhance road safety. These actions aim to drive a significant shift toward a cleaner and more modern European transport system. Learn more about the RRF's contribution to sustainable mobility and the projects in your country.
The EU's research and innovation (R&I) policy aims to safeguard technological independence, ensure prosperity, and promote sustainability. It faces challenges such as ageing populations, health hazards, economic security, and the climate crisis. Consistent underinvestment in R&I hinders the EU from achieving its goal of spending of 3% of GDP on these efforts. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) aims to boost R&I funding, focusing on the green and digital transitions. The RRF has allocated €47 billion for R&I measures, with varied focus. Explore six case studies highlighting diverse RRF-supported initiatives aligned with EU R&I policy guidelines.
What makes the RRF stand out from traditional EU funding programmes? Its sizeable budget and its unique spending model. This impacts its implementation, demanding robust measures to safeguard the EU's financial interests. Explore the roles and responsibilities of EU Member States, the European Commission, the European Court of Auditors, and other stakeholders involved in implementing and ensuring effective monitoring and oversight at every stage.
In February 2023, the European Commission introduced a methodology for partial suspension of RRF payments, to be applied in case when some milestones and targets have not been (fully) implemented. This methodology is used to calculate the portion of RRF funds that could be temporarily suspended.. Its purpose is to support ongoing investment and reform efforts, by considering progress already made. Learn more about the methodology to better understand its implications.
Transparency is essential for the successful implementation of the RRF, given its significant scale, result-based spending, and limited timeframe. The European Commission ensures transparency through dialogues in the European Parliament, reports, and updates on the RRF scoreboard. Additionally, at the national level, governments report to their respective parliaments, promoting accountability. Explore how reporting mechanisms in eight countries are scrutinised and how an informal expert group contributes to transparency through meeting minutes and agenda disclosures.
