The study analysis the embedment of ERDF FI in the German and French national and regional funding landscapes. The aim is to:
1. provide an overview of the origin and current developments of ERDF-funded financial instruments in Germany and France,
2. present the impact/output of ERDF FI in Germany and France of the 2014-2020 funding period,
3. determine existing and potential synergies and overlaps between EU- and member state-funded financial instruments and investigate resulting opportunities, and
4. examine the challenges the EU and member states face when designing and implementing ERDF-funded FI and derive suitable recommendations.

The study covers all ERDF Managing Authorities, in charge of designing and implementing ERDF-funded financial instruments, in France and Germany. This includes national level authorities and 18 regions in France and 16 Länder in Germany. Thematically, the study covers all of the 11 thematic objectives of the 2014-2020 period, and now 5 policy objectives of the EU cohesion policy 2021-2027, with a specific focus on the two ERDF priorities that have led to the implementation of most financial instruments:
• PO 1: A more competitive and smarter Europe
• PO 2: A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy.

The study is led by Technopolis Group, in consortium with t33 and Prognos.