The EU fiscal response to the pandemic has been significant. In the run-up to the negotiations on the next MFF, ongoing policy debates revolve around the potential establishment of permanent mechanisms to address future shocks and emergencies. Therefore, drawing lessons from ad hoc mechanisms introduced during the pandemic is essential to feed this discussion. Particular focus should be placed on assessing the balance achieved between speed and flexibility on the one hand, and sound financial management on the other.
The scope and thematic focus of the study will be the temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) instrument and cohesion policy-related reforms. The study aims to map forward-looking policy options and is split into two parts. The first part will provide an exhaustive and granular analysis of the implementation of SURE and COVID-19-related changes to the cohesion policy framework. The second part maps forward-looking policy options for achieving a good balance between, on the one hand, the speed and diligence required by crisis measures and, on the other, compliance with the principle of sound financial management and performance.
