Successful program launch and inaugural meeting of the ERDF and ESF+ Monitoring Committee

On September 1, 2022, the EFRE and ESF+ program launches for the 2021-2027 funding period and the constituent meeting of the joint EFRE and ESF+ monitoring committee took place at Friedenstein Castle in Gotha.

The event was opened by Mr. Volker Kurz, Head of the ERDF Administrative Authority in the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society (TMWWDG). This was followed by welcoming speeches by the Director of the European Commission, Ms Emma Toledano Laredo, and Mr Egbert Holthuis, Head of Unit of the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Dr. Katja Böhler, State Secretary in the TMWWDG, underlined the great importance of the funds for the further development of the Free State of Thuringia. The perspective of the Thuringian Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family (TMASGFF) was explained by State Secretary Ines Feierabend.

In the new funding period 2021-2027, the ERDF will have around €1.1 billion available for investments in the economy, research, decarbonization, and urban development.

The ESF+ will receive €466 million in funding from the European Union, which will be used to secure skilled labor and strengthen social participation, increase competitiveness, and provide opportunities for young people.

In addition, the new ERDF and ESF+ Monitoring Committee for the 2021-2027 funding period was constituted.

The event was rounded off with a tour of the ERDF strategic project "Further Development of the Baroque Universe - Gotha transdigital."

The project, which is anchored in the Integrated Urban Development Concept ISEK Gotha 2030+, is an essential building block for the further development of the "Baroque Universe Gotha." The digitization of cultural history collections is a prerequisite for digital learning and working in virtual space. It improves living conditions by providing access to Gotha's cultural landscape, especially for disadvantaged population groups and those living in peripheral areas.