Support for disadvantaged areas

In accordance with Article 174 TFEU, the ERDF shall pay special attention to addressing the challenges of disadvantaged regions and areas, in particular rural areas and areas which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps. Member States shall, where appropriate, set out an integrated approach to addressing demographic challenges or specific needs of such regions and areas in their partnership agreements in accordance with point (i) of the first subparagraph of Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Such an integrated approach may include a commitment on dedicated funding for that purpose.