EU Affairs

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) has been entrusted with a series of functions in relation to EU funding programmes and policies.

Through its strong involvement in EU affairs, EMRA ensures that the region has a say in EU policies and programmes that will impact our territory and benefit from EU funding and good practices to inform our policies and implement projects to the benefits of the region.

EMRA has a prominent role in the delivery of some EU funding programmes, including managing the EU Just Transition Fund, overseeing the implementation of the European Regional Development Fund (Southern, Eastern and Midland programme), being the contact point for URBACT and EUI, and partnering in some European projects.

In this section

EU Programme Open Calls

Find out about open calls for funding and how to get involved in EU Programmes.

Co-Funded by the European Union Logo

EU Just Transition Fund

The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a brand-new fund created under the 2021-2027 programming round. It operates under Regulation (EU) (2021/1056) within the framework of the EU Cohesion policy.

The Fund’s single specific objective is to support the regions and communities in Europe that are most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that no one is left behind.

EMRA was appointed the Managing Authority of this new EU fund by the Minister for Environment Climate and Communications. As the Managing Authority, EMRA will have overall responsibility for the implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of the programme.

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Just Transition Fund Region

Latest News & Events

Irish Regions together with the EU CoR president and Irish Ambassador to Belgium, in Brussels on 1st July 2026 for Welcome Reception marking the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Irish Regions Showcase ‘Tionscnaimh agus Táirgí na hÉireann’ at the EU Committee of the Regions in Brussels

On 1st July 2026, Ireland and Europe's Regions celebrate the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Brussels with a welcome reception featuring produce and projects from across Ireland.

Winners Announced in National “Our Ireland, Our EU” Photo Competition

Six winning photographers have been announced in the inaugural "Our Ireland, Our EU" Photo Competition, a national initiative celebrating the positive impact of Government of Ireland and EU co-funded projects and initiatives across Ireland.

Irish URBACT Partners Meet-up

All active Irish partners involved in an URBACT project were invited to participate in a meet up of URBACT networks which took place in Navan (Co. Meath) on the 11th of June.

Eamon Ryan Shares European Housing Advisory Board Recommendations to EMRA

EMRA welcomed Eamon Ryan, Chair of the European Housing Advisory Board, to its Assembly meeting on Europe Day to discuss the recommendations arising from the Board’s report.

National Photography Competition “Our Ireland, Our EU” Launched to Showcase EU‑Funded Projects Across Ireland

EU Funds Ireland Managing Authorities have launched 'Our Ireland, Our EU', a national photography competition inviting members of the public to capture how projects co‑funded by the European Union are making a difference to everyday life across Ireland.

The Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator Programme (SSMA) Concludes

Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator programme (SSMA) ended in December 2025. The programme offered training and capacity-building workshops to help local authorities to deliver smart and sustainable mobility projects.

EUI-URBACT Information Session

EMRA hosted its third annual joint EUI-URBACT info session at the impressive Richmond Education and Event Centre on the 25th of March.

RSES Review – Strategic Issues Paper

EMRA has formally commenced the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and is inviting individuals, communities, local authorities, state agencies and government departments to share their views on the future of the region.
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European Urban Initiative (EUI) and URBACT Information Session

Join the next joint information session on 25 March at the Richmond Education and Event Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin to learn about upcoming calls and opportunities through European Urban Initiative (EUI) and URBACT.
Just Transition Funding

Ministers Heydon and O’Brien announce €10 million EU Just Transition Funding for two bioeconomy demonstration projects

Awards of €5 million each from the EU Just Transition Fund Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative will support two bioeconomy projects with collaboration…
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Supporting a Sustainable Transition through climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) Scheme

An EUJTF funding call for projects supporting Local Authority Climate Action Plans. Expressions of interest due to Pobal 13 March 2026. Official Applications open 21 April 2026.

EMRA to participate in Regional Studies Association Annual Conference on ‘Compact ‘Growth at University College Cork

The Annual Conference of the Irish Section of the Regional Studies Association will take place on the 20th of February at University College Cork (UCC). This…