A programming period is the seven-year cycle in which the European Union plans, allocates, and draws down the funds of its budget, including the cohesion policy funds. The current programming period runs from 2021 to 2027, with actual drawdown continuing even after it ends thanks to the n+3 rule – funds committed in a given year can still be spent over the following three years, that is, at the latest by the end of 2030. Each programming period has its own multiannual financial framework, legislation, partnership agreement, and programmes; in Slovakia, the 2021–2027 period is covered by the Slovakia Programme. The transition between periods tends to be critical: old calls are winding down, new ones are starting up with delays, and applicants must keep track of which period a specific call is funded from. Experience shows that the largest volume of calls is announced in the middle of the period, while its final stage is devoted to using up the remaining allocation and to projects with fast implementation. Knowledge of the programming period cycle is therefore a strategic advantage for planning investments.
See also: N+3 rule, Slovakia Programme 2021–2027.
