On Wednesday 25 November 2015, the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy launched a call for projects under the 2014-2020 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), paving the way for investments totalling an estimated €48.2 million, of which €19.5 million, or 40%, will be co-financed by the European Union (EU).
The ERDF cohesion policy allows for grants to be assigned in different Member States to private or public actors undertaking projects which promote sustainable economic growth and employment.
The ERDF concentrates investments on several key priority areas including innovation and research; the digital agenda; support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and the low-carbon economy. The Ministry announced that investment must focus on one of two priority areas, these being strengthenng research, technological development and innovation, or supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy in all sectors.
The Ministry of the Economy is in charge of project selection and management and the proper use of funds allocated to it. During the selection, preference will be given to projects of an innovative nature, focusing on excellence in key areas of the Luxembourg economy.
"Together with the European Commission, we decided to focus investments on a limited number of thematic objectives," commented Étienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy. "In primarily targeting major projects with high added value and maximum leverage, we are targeting national ecomonic benefits."
Participants must complete an application form through a secure IT management platform accessible via the www.fonds-europeens.public.lu website. Project proposals should be submitted no later than 15 February 2016.
By 2020, it is expected that there will be at least one project call every year.
