The priority sectors for funding in this period are:
- Democracy & governance
Reforming the civil service (transparency, accountability, independence) centrally and locally; promoting decentralisation and local governance; implementing key parts of the Ohrid peace agreementSearch for available translations of the preceding link••• ; improving economic policy and public financial management; establishing democratic institutions; creating a strong civil society able to contribute to public debate (e.g. on democracy, human rights, social inclusion).
- Rule of law & fundamental rights
Judicial reform; fighting corruption more effectively; respecting human rights (especially freedom of expression and of the media, and protecting minorities (e.g. the Roma and the LGBTI community); improving border management and implementation of visa, migration and asylum policies in line with EU law (acquis); completing police reforms and boosting the fight against organised crime.
- Environment & climate action
Creating a cleaner environment; promoting sustainable growth; shifting to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and resource-efficient economy.
- Transport
Developing a modern, well-connected transport network to support competitiveness and growth; making transport networks safer; improving mobility in urban areas using green transport.
- Competitiveness & innovation
Improving economic competitiveness; increasing productive investment, foreign direct investment; diversifying exports; creating conditions for sustainable economic growth and EU convergence; strengthening the business framework (legal and institutional), including by implementing EU single market law.
- Social development
Supporting a more inclusive, effective labour market; increasing access to quality education and training, to better match skills with employers’ needs; establishing a modern, flexible social welfare system with greater social inclusion; strengthening professional organisations.
- Agriculture & rural development
Encouraging more balanced development in rural areas; improving food safety standards; making the farming and food production sector more competitive.
- Regional and territorial cooperation
Encouraging good neighbourly relations; promoting socio-economic development in border areas.
