From a state-of-the-art metro system in Sofia to a “smart” capital in Nicosia and an innovative artificial intelligence platform in Bucharest, the European Union’s Cohesion Policy is not an abstract concept about numbers and budgets, but rather projects that shape our daily lives.

Cohesion Policy is the EU’s key investment tool for reducing regional disparities, support sustainable development, and strengthen social and economic cohesion among member states.

According to the European Commission, nearly 392 billion euros are available for the 2021–2027 period for investments aimed at: a more competitive and “smart” Europe, enhanced connectivity through improved mobility, the promotion of sustainable and integrated development across all types of territories, and the social and inclusive nature of the Union.

Recognizing that a strong Union cannot exist if some regions prosper while others are left behind, funding is directed as a priority to the least developed regions (primarily those with a per capita GDP below 75% of the EU average), to island, mountainous, or sparsely populated areas, as well as to urban centers facing serious social problems.

Notable examples of how Cohesion Policy has transformed citizens’ daily lives are included both in the digital series “Cohesion Now,” as well as in the Flipbook created as part of the “Signs of Cohesion Policy in Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania” program. The project is coordinated by “Aspon Consulting,” with partners including the “ALPHA Cyprus” news group “ALPHA Cyprus,” the organization “Asociatia SIMO” from Romania, and the foundation “Prof. D-R Minko Rusenov Fondatsia” from Bulgaria.

Watch all episodes of the series here

Sofia: The Future of Urban Mobility

Mobility in European cities is evolving, with Bulgaria turning a new page in public transportation. The creation of Line 3 of the Sofia Metro is tangible proof of this change.

European funding covered more than 70% of the cost of these specific sections of the project, playing a decisive role in expanding a modern transportation network in the Bulgarian capital.

Today, the metro serves more than 40% of Sofia’s passengers, transporting 450,000 to 500,000 people daily, and with the completion of new extensions, this percentage is expected to exceed 50%. This is an investment that not only improves mobility, but also makes a substantial contribution to reducing traffic congestion and emissions, making Sofia more sustainable and functional for its residents.

Romania: TN at the Service of Citizens

In Bucharest, the Romanian company Soft Tehnica used European funding to develop AIDOO, an advanced artificial intelligence platform that is transforming the way businesses and organizations communicate with citizens and customers.

AIDOO functions as a smart digital assistant that can handle requests in call centers, reduce wait times, and improve the customer service experience. At the same time, through conversation analysis tools, it helps organizations and businesses better understand user needs and continuously improve their services.

Beyond technological innovation, the project has fostered the development of specialized digital skills, created employment opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, and highlighted Romania as a country that does not merely follow technological developments, but actively contributes to shaping them.

The Cyprus of tomorrow is… “smart”!

In the “heart” of Old Nicosia, at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, the Smart Nicosia project is being developed and coordinated— an initiative of the Municipality of Nicosia in close collaboration with CYENS, which aims to transform the capital into a modern laboratory for digital governance.

With a total budget of 8.1 million euros, of which 4.86 million euros are secured through European funding from the “THALIA 2021–2027,” the project introduces new technological solutions into the city’s daily operations.

Through the use of smart sensors, parking apps, waste management systems, environmental monitoring stations, and free Wi-Fi networks, Smart Nicosia is creating a new model of urban operation centered on the citizen. The initiative is a prime example of the European goal “A Europe Closer to Its Citizens,” as it leverages digital technology to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, making Nicosia smarter, more sustainable, and more accessible.

Thousands of new jobs

Beyond major infrastructure and technological investments, Cohesion Policy is a key mechanism for creating new jobs and strengthening skills across Europe.

In Cyprus, the “THALIA 2021–2027” program is expected to contribute significantly to increasing employment, with an estimated 8,500 new jobs to be created in the short term through investments in human capital, training, entrepreneurship, and innovation. At the same time, Bulgaria and Romania, through their national programs under the Cohesion Policy 2021–2027, are contributing to the broader European goal of creating 1.3 million new jobs in the EU by boosting employment, skills development, and the transition to a greener and more digital economy.

What comes after 2027?

As the current programming period nears its end, discussions on the future of Cohesion Policy have already begun. The European Commission and the member states are exploring ways to make the policy more flexible, simpler, and better adapted to the new challenges of our time.

The focus is on the competitiveness of the European economy, the green and digital transitions, energy security, the resilience of the regions, and addressing demographic and geopolitical challenges.

At the same time, the European Commission emphasizes that regions and local authorities will continue to play a decisive role in the planning and implementation of investments, thereby preserving the fundamental nature of Cohesion Policy as a “bottom-up” policy.