Member States have successfully reprogrammed €34.6 billion in their 2021-2027 cohesion policy funds “towards the EU’s most urgent strategic priorities”, the EU Commission reported in a notice. These include boosting competitiveness, enhancing defence and civil preparedness, promoting affordable and sustainable housing, improving water resilience, and advancing energy connectivity. “This shift in EU funding will reinforce Europe’s competitive edge, bolster its security and preparedness, secure energy supply, make daily life of citizens more affordable, and increase Europe’s technological independence”, also according to the EU Commission. Reprogrammed funds “will also support skills development in civil preparedness, defence and cybersecurity, as well as in support of the decarbonisation process”. The funds reallocated to the strategic priorities also include €15.2 billion to boost competitiveness through critical technologies, innovation and the development of skills; €11.9 billion to strengthen defence industrial capabilities, military mobility and civil preparedness and skills development; €3.3 billion for affordable and sustainable housing; €3.1 billion for water resilience, €1.2 billion to enhance energy security.