Research for REGI committee - Improving Essential Services in the EU regions: The role of Cohesion policy

This study analyses the role of EU instruments, in particular Cohesion Policy, in supporting the quality of essential services in remote, rural and depopulated areas. The study focuses on essential services tied to the provision of healthcare, childcare and services to people. Challenges and drivers of loss of service provision are identified. The contribution of EU instruments is assessed, including case studies illustrating their contribution to mitigating depopulation dynamics and improving access to essential services.