As discussed in the meeting of the European Alliance Against Coronavirus on 7 April, there were changes made to the European Regional Development Fund to finance specific measures and to provide exceptional flexibility in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

There are two main changes. Funding is possible for:

1. financing of working capital in SMEs

2. investments in products and services necessary for fostering the crisis response capacities in public health services 

The European Commission has published a very helpful overview of the new changes and funding possibilities: Background on Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative 

To read the offical documents: 

1. the proposal for amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 in all 27 languages

2. the proposal for amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the health care systems of the Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak [Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative] in all 27 languages