In the 2021–2027 period, in addition to the above sources, there is an opportunity to support some interventions implementing the RIS3 strategies through new EU instruments that are being prepared (e.g. the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Just Transition Mechanism and the Modernisation Fund). The exact amount of funding from these instruments and the possible links to RIS3 strategies is still being refined at the time of finalisation of the National RIS3 Strategy 2021–2027 and, if relevant, it will be further specified in future updates of the strategy and its annexes.
In the period 2021-2027, there is an opportunity to support some interventions meeting the objectives of the RIS3 strategy through new EU instruments. Their link to RIS3 and the exact amount of funding from these instruments will be specified in future updates of the strategy and its annexes.
From the point of view of the National RIS3 Strategy, the use of these instruments is not monitored as these are not projects implemented within NRIS3. They can, however, significantly strengthen the complementarity with other interventions aimed at meeting the RIS3 objectives or missions.
Recovery and Resilience Support Facility (2021 - 2027)
The Next Generation EU is a temporary recovery instrument in the overall amount of € 750 billion to help remedy the immediate economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It aims to ensure that Europe emerges from the Covid 19 pandemic greener, more digital, more resilient and better adapted to current and future challenges.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility is a key element of this instrument, which offers loans and grants of € 672.5 billion that will be available to support reforms and investments by EU countries. The aim is to mitigate the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic, increase the sustainability and the resilience of European economies and societies, and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of ecological and digital transition. Member States have drawn up recovery and resilience plans that will enable them to draw on funding under this facility. In the case of the Czech Republic, this is the National Recovery Plan.
Mechanism for just transition (2021 - 2027)
The European Commission's 6 priorities for the period 2019-2024 include the so-called Green Deal for Europe, which aims to make Europe a climate-neutral continent. To this end, however, it must modernize its economy and use its resources efficiently.
The EU will therefore provide financial support and technical assistance to those most affected by the transition to a green economy. A key instrument is the Just Transition Mechanism, which aims to ensure that the transition to a climate-neutral economy is just and that no one is left behind. It will offer targeted support in the most affected regions, where it is to mobilize at least € 150 billion between 2021 and 2027 to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the transition. This instrument helps to address the social and economic impacts of transition. It targets the regions, sectors and workers who will face the greatest challenges in this regard.
The territories where the Fund can be used will be defined in the Territorial Plans for Just Transition in cooperation with the Commission. The Member States and regions of the European Union can use the services of the Platform for Just Transition.
To use this mechanism, the Operational Programme Just Transition was established in the Czech Republic, the managing authority of which is the Ministry of the Environment. The programme will be used by three structurally disadvantaged regions, i.e. the Moravian-Silesian, Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary. This programme will also support research, development and innovation projects, which, in combination with other support instruments, will result in a synergetic effect.
Modernization Fund (2021 - 2030)
In the strategic package called the Green Agreement, the European Commission lists the Modernization Fund as one of the instruments focusing on the climate and energy, which will contribute to the EU's transition to a more sustainable economy.
As one of the first in the European Union, the Czech Republic starts drawing money from the Modernization Fund. In the next ten years, the investment in the total amount of at least CZK 150 billion will go to green projects that will significantly reduce the Czech Republic's dependence on the coal combustion and speed up the transition to clean energy sources. The aim of the investment is to contribute to the reduction of harmful emissions released into the air.
In nine programs, it will be possible to obtain subsidies for a number of energy- saving projects. Innovative solutions and their implementation in practice will be supported.
The link to RIS3 is only indirect, and these projects therefore will not be monitored, but may be complementary to the projects targeted directly at the RIS3.
