How does the European Union use cohesion funds to reduce poverty and inequality across the bloc? Our first stops are in two of the EU’s poorest countries, Bulgaria and Romania, to look at the role that EU aid plays in the areas of education and public transport. We also visit one of Europe’s richest countries - France - to see how the European Union can help to level up parts of the EU that display some surprising inequalities.

Our guests are experts on just how valuable EU funds are for Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s Minister in charge of EU funds, Atanas Pekanov, University Professor of European Affairs, Ingrid Shikova and Representative of the European Commission in Sofia, Cvetan Kyulanov.

In Romania, Luke Brown looks at efforts to reduce exclusion for the Roma community. Education has been a key vector since Romania joined the EU in 2007 - but many within the community remain frustrated by the lack of progress.

In France, Sophie Samaille and Luke Brown visit one of the regions most affected by de-industrialisation in the north of the country. Faced with a growing cost of living crisis due to inflation, food banks are a first port of call for many - and they rely on EU contributions. We also meet a dynamic mayor of the small town of Anor - badly hit by factory closures - who has battled for his community to receive EU funds to renovate the old industrial area.

>>Watch part one of the show

Show presented by Armen Georgian, produced by Johan Bodin, filmed on location by Johan Bodin and Stéphane Bodenne, with Luke Brown. Editor in chief, Caroline de Camaret.

_{Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the DG Regional and Urban Policy. Neither the European Union nor the DG Regional and Urban Policy can be held responsible for them.}