The European Structural and Investment Funds — commonly referred to as structural funds, structural support, or EU support — help develop the economies of member states and thereby reduce development disparities between European regions. The budget period is tied to the European Union budget, meaning that the support period is divided into seven-year cycles. We have now entered the 2021–2027 budget period.
The distribution of support is organised on the basis of operational programmes. Unlike in previous periods, Estonia has a single operational programme for this cycle. The implementing authorities (such as EAS, KIK, and KredEx) are responsible for implementing the priority axes and developing the specific measures and support schemes. The implementing bodies serve as the direct point of contact for recipients, conduct application rounds, make funding decisions, and oversee the activities of beneficiaries.
Applications are always based on a specific grant application, which the implementing body processes in accordance with the applicable rules. Following a positive funding decision, we can speak of a grant beneficiary, whose activities are subject to specific requirements and obligations related to the use of the support. For example, during the implementation of a project, the required reporting must be ensured and the implementing body must be allowed to carry out inspections.
For more information, see https://vana.struktuurifondid.ee/et/sf_yldiselt — we will keep you updated and add all relevant links here as soon as possible.