In the funding period from 2014 to 2020 there is an umbrella fund, the ESIF – the European Structure and Investment Funds – for the funds operating in Saxony-Anhalt (ERDF, ESF and EAFRD). The funds combine to accomplish the top priorities:

• Sustainable growth,
• Employment and
• Innovation,

which Saxony-Anhalt has set for itself.

The horizontal objectives:

• Sustainable development
• Promotion of equality between men and women, as well as
• Non-discrimination

are also pursued.

Multifund measures:

The funds combine to focus on measures which help promote intelligent, sustainable and integrative growth. Here, an important location factor for the economy and population concerns the development of a high-capacity broadband infrastructure, supported by education measures.

In terms of risk prevention, flood protection forms a key priority in Saxony-Anhalt. With the support of the ESI fund, the ‘flood protection concept for the state of Saxony-Anhalt’ is to be implemented by 2020. The bundle of measures for technical flood protection thereby includes increasing water retention in the catchment and improving flood defences. As the ‘state for renewable energy’, Saxony-Anhalt is to contribute to the energy revolution. Together, the funds support the energetic renovation of buildings, particularly of schools and day-care centres in the state.

With respect to the challenges of the knowledge-based society and demographic change, it is essential for the state to better utilise the individual education and employment potential of the population than ever before.

The 2014-2020 funding period is expected to optimise the interdependence between urban and rural areas, in order to improve quality of life and boost the economy. The high proportion of value creation in the rural areas has to be safeguarded and managed against the background of the difficult demographic situation. Measures have to be supported as part of sustainable urban development on the one hand and village development on the other, both of which are associated with economic and employment effects.

Local development strategies should contribute to activating innovative potential and securing fair living conditions in all areas of the state. The proven LEADER approach will be implemented in the new funding period, across the various funds, according to CLLD (community-led local development). This will open up the opportunity to holistically resolve local issues by integrating the various ESI funds.

The multifund strategy of the state of Saxony-Anhalt for the use of the ESI funds in the 2014-2020 funding period envisages a clear delineation of objectives for the funds in the major areas of action.