Study: 'Experiences of regional authorities with the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and suggestions for improvement' – Report published

Written By Clarissa Amichetti
Publishing 07 March 2025

 
The Committee of the Regions has commissioned t33 and Milieu to carry out the study "Experiences of regional authorities with the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and suggestions for improvement".

IPCEIs are designed to support projects that bring significant benefits to the EU by making "a very important contribution to sustainable economic growth, jobs, competitiveness and resilience of the Union's industry and economy and by strengthening its open strategic autonomy". Such projects must address "major market or systemic failures" or "societal challenges" that could prevent their implementation without public support. An IPCEI can consists of either a single project or a group of linked projects in areas such as infrastructure or R&D&I (research, development and innovation).
Local and regional authorities play a pivotal role in industrial development in the EU, and IPCEIs have the capacity to contribute significantly. By mapping the obstacles faced by local and regional authorities when setting up or joining IPCEI, the study contributes to the CoR's future policy work in this area, and provides guidance to local and regional authorities considering the IPCEI instrument.


The study examines the current experience of LRAs with IPCEIs, including best practice and lessons learned; and identified barriers to the effective use of IPCEIs in supporting of place-based industrial policy. The analysis provides a basis for proposing specific changes to simplify the IPCEI process, making it more transparent and inclusive. Therefore, the study provides the Committee of the Regions with actionable recommendations to improve the IPCEI instrument, ensuring it responds to regional and local needs while promoting industrial development across the EU.

The study report is published and available here.