The C4T (Community for Transition) GROUNDWORK initiative is now accepting applications for technical assistance to support cohesion policy investments in the EU. The assistance is aimed at supporting EU Member States, regions, and local authorities in implementing Policy Objective 2: “A greener, low-carbon transition towards a net-zero and resilient Europe”. A main objective of this cohesion policy support is to alleviate regional disparities in green and social investments.
Apply by 17 November 2025, 23:59 CET to be considered for the technical assistance. An online info session on Monday, 27 October 2025 (15:00–16:00 CET) will offer more information to prospective applicants.
What Support Is Offered
C4T GROUNDWORK provides tailored technical assistance in areas such as:
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy
- Climate change adaptation and resilience
- Smart energy grids and storage
- Water and sustainable water management:
- Circular economy and resource efficiency economy
- Biodiversity protection and green infrastructure
Support may include help with project pipelines, funding identification, strategy development, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. Assistance is co-created with beneficiaries and can be delivered in national languages through workshops, online sessions, and expert mentoring.
Who Can Apply and How?
Eligible applicants include managing and implementing authorities of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund programmes, as well as other public authorities directly involved in investments for a net-zero and resilient Europe.
Applications must be submitted through the EU Survey form (available in all EU languages) by 17 November 2025, 23:59 CET.
Up to 15–20 beneficiaries will be selected based on their contribution to sustainability transitions and commitment to EU climate goals. Selected projects are expected to start receiving support by March 2026.
About C4T and Cohesion Policy
The C4T initiative is from the EU Directorate-General of Regional and Urban Policy. It connects managing authorities, experts, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and develop solutions that make Cohesion investments more effective. Its GROUNDWORK initiative provides hands-on expert support to strengthen the impact of projects that support a low-carbon transition and European resilience.
Cohesion policy is one of the EU’s main investment tools, helping reduce regional differences and build a smarter, greener, and more connected Europe. Under the European Green Deal, cohesion policy plays a vital role in driving the sustainability transition and supporting investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and resource efficiency.
Source: European Commission
Details
- Publication date
- 17 October 2025
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency