Status of the reprogramming process
The map below provides detailed information on each Member State’s and region’s adopted amendments redirecting cohesion funds towards STEP, specifying:
- the relevant EU funds (European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund Plus, Just Transition Fund or Cohesion Fund);
- the operational programmes per Member State and amounts allocated to STEP;
- the indicative types of actions to be financed.
Download the slides presentation (last update: 10/2025)
Do you want to see how this reprogramming process materialise to concrete STEP calls? Check the STEP calls dashboard.
Eligible- applied research
- development of technologies with demonstrated feasibility
- essential services specific to the development or manufacturing of critical technologies
- associated services included as part of a STEP project's investment cost
- skills relevant to the development or manufacturing of critical technologies
Ineligible- fundamental research
- development of unproven technologies
- deployment of existing technologies
- non-essential equipment/infrastructure for critical technology development or manufacturing
- skills related to STEP sectors but not directly tied to strategic technologies
- projects lacking technological innovation
Unlocking the potential of the STEP Seal
The STEP Seal aims to attract alternative and cumulative funding for quality projects, and simultaneously to provide a potential project pipeline for regional and national programmes. Particularly relevant are the following options:
- Under two of the cohesion policy funds (ERDF, ESF+), managing authorities can directly award support to projects that received STEP Seals, provided these projects comply with the programme, are consistent with the relevant strategies, provide an effective contribution to the achievement of the specific objectives of the programme, ensure that selected operations which fall within the scope of an enabling condition are consistent with the corresponding strategies, and are aligned with the scope of the corresponding funds (as per Article 73(4) of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR).
- Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), projects awarded STEP Seals should be considered as a priority for alternative or cumulative funding when national Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) are revised.
Amendment of the RRF plans- STEP Seal projects as a priority when revising RRPs.
- Dedicated STEP calls may be launched under the RRF.
- Revision of RRP to include STEP measures.
Transfer to InvestEU Compartment- Additional 6% of the RRF allocations to the InvestEU Member State Compartment for STEP (upper limit of 10%).
Increased regional aid intensities
Thanks to recent amendments of the Commission to the Guidelines on Regional State Aid, Member States can now grant higher amounts of regional aid for investment projects under STEP, aiming to boost critical technologies and economic resilience across Europe, with:
- increased aid by up to 10 percentage points for 'A' areas and
- 5 percentage points for 'C' areas.
The changes help support investments in less advantaged regions by adjusting the maximum State aid allowed based on updated regional maps. For more information,
- Read the Guidelines on regional state aid
- Consult the overview provided in the Regional Aid maps 2022-2027, that are used to assess the compatibility of all notifiable regional aid awarded or intended to be awarded.
STEP implementation resources
The STEP Guidance Note offers comprehensive details on the scope of STEP, serving as an essential resource for understanding the objectives, conditions, and sectors addressed by the Regulation.
From cumulative or alternative support to the STEP Seals to cohesion policy funds, RRF, and State aid rules, this brochure breaks down the key provisions of the STEP Regulation to help navigate its correct application and implementation at national and regional level.
The Notice outlines the procedure for amending Recovery and Resilience Plans, including the allocation of RRF resources towards STEP objectives.
National Contact Points
The STEP National Contact Points are designated officials in EU Member States responsible for overseeing and supporting the implementation of STEP at the national level. Managing authorities are encouraged to contact their STEP National Contact Points for any STEP-related matter, whether it concerns:
- assistance in planning and revising operational programs to incorporate STEP priorities;
- clarifying the functioning of STEP Seals and how they can be supported through operational programmes;
- getting better understanding of the state rules applicable to the funding of STEP projects.
The STEP Team invites Managing Authorities to reach out for any assistance in scope-related matters.
