Changes to FAST-CARE (Flexible Aid for Territories) have entered into force, amending the Regulation on Cohesion Funds and enabling new flexibility in the use of cohesion policy funds.

FAST-CARE offers maximum flexibility to implement Cohesion Policy investments to mitigate the consequences for Member States and regions of Russia's war against Ukraine. The changes will help alleviate the delayed implementation of EU-funded projects due to the combined effect of the COVID-19 disease and the high costs of energy, raw materials and labor shortages caused by the war. 

The changes followed the Cohesion Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) whose objectives are mobilized investments in housing, health care, translation or training of displaced persons, as well as for the countries receiving them.

In particular, FAST-CARE (Flexible Aid for Territories) intends to provide additional support to those who accept and integrate displaced persons - member states, local authorities and civil society organizations, ensuring sufficient flexibility of cohesion policy funds and their use where they are most needed. FAST-CARE also proposes solutions to solve the problem of delayed implementation of some cohesion policy projects. 

On June 29, the Commission submitted proposals for FAST-CARE, and in less than four months the co-legislators, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU adopted a revised regulation. 

Official Journal

 Source: European Commission