Brussels, 4 July 2025
EU citizens’ perception of the impact of EU regional policy remains largely positive, a newly published Eurobarometer survey reveals.
According to the survey, 40% of respondents are aware of EU-funded initiatives, and nearly four fifths (79%) of those respondents believe they make a positive contribution on living conditions in their respective countries or regions. Additionally, 57% of those enquired consider that EU-supported projects in their area have contributed to their sense of being EU citizens.
Two-thirds of the surveyed individuals are aware of at least one cohesion policy fund, such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund, European Social Fund, Interreg, or the Just Transition Fund. Awareness is highest in Poland (92%) and Slovakia (91%).
On average, 17% of participants note that they have personally benefitted from a project supported by the ERDF or Cohesion Fund, with this percentage rising to 50% in certain countries.
In terms of future EU investments, respondents prioritise the improvement of healthcare and education infrastructures (49%), environmental protection, water resources and climate action (38%), job creation and access to the labour market (31%) and housing and energy efficiency enhancements (27%).
A significant majority (64%) of those enquired believe cohesion policy should support all EU regions, with a particular emphasis on areas experiencing high unemployment (63%), deprived urban areas (51%), and remote rural or mountainous regions (50%).
More information on the latest flash Eurobarometer on citizens’ awareness and perception of EU regional policy can be found online.
Source – EU Commission