This Study presents a set of good practices and recommendations on integrating the environment into the selection process for projects considered for support from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), in particular, from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF). The Study chiefly targets Managing Authorities (MAs). They may find value in these practical indications on selection criteria which have a purpose to select and support more environmentally friendly projects as well as on other tools with a purpose to improve the environmental performance of projects selected for co-financing from the ESIF. The forthcoming financing period (2021-2027) will strengthen EU environmental policy, with higher standards set with regard, in particular, to climate goals, circular economy, zero pollution ambition and protection of natural ecosystems. The European Green Deal proposes a set of transformative policies and confirms the long-term EU goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and tackling environmental-related challenges, which will be reflected in relevant legislation. Meeting these standards and goals will pose a challenge for all Member States. Systematic application of environmental integration measures throughout the Operational Programmes (OPs) and the resulting projects receiving support from ESIF can help Member States to meet this challenge. Important synergies can be found between the measures that are recommended throughout this study and other instruments promoted by the European Commission in the spirit of the European Green Deal, such as the proposed Taxonomy Regulation and its lists of sustainable investments which will set conditions for environmentally sustainable investments and the sustainability proofing procedures envisaged for strategic investments in support of EU policies under InvestEU.

链接地址：http://dx.doi.org/10.2779/39225