For the 2014-2020 programming period, the key instruments of the Cohesion Policy are European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), through which applicants may draw funds from the EU budget. ESIF include the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The funds earmarked for the Czech Republic equal almost EUR 24 billion.
 
On 6 October, 2011, the European Commission (EC) published a package of six new regulations. Their final versions were approved on 17 December, 2013. In the 2014–2020 programming period, they form the legislative basis for aid from the ESIF. These regulations were set in order to ensure uniform rules throughout the EU as well as improve coordination among different funds and programmes at the national level.

The EU’s intention is that these funds contribute, to the greatest extent possible, to fulfilment of the EU 2020 Strategy – a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, which is the long-term vision for the development of the EU. To improve use of these funds in regard to the EU 2020 Strategy, each country drew up a Partnership Agreement, which was then assessed and evaluated by the EC. It will be implemented through specific programmes. These documents also specify the distribution of allocated funds among different areas of intervention.

More information: strukturalni-fondy.cz/en/Homepage