Introducing the European Social Fund (ESF) 2007-2013
What is the European Social Fund?
The ESF is one of the EU's four structural funds which were set up to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards and help areas of Europe which, for one reason or another are suffering difficulties. This is usually referred to as 'promoting economic and social cohesion'. To do this, the ESF spends European money on the achievement of the goals agreed in the European Employment Strategy. This strategy is bringing together the 25 Member States to work at increasing Europe's capacity to create good jobs, and providing people with the skills to fill them.
The ESF channels its money into strategic, long-term programmes in Member States and regions across the EU, particularly those where economic development is less advanced.
Seven years programmes are planned by Member States together with the European Commission and then implemented through a wide range of organisations, both in the public and private sector. These organisations include national, regional and local authorities, educational and training institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the voluntary sector, as well as social partners, for example trade unions and works councils, industry and professional associations, and individual companies.
In the period 2000-2006, the ESF has granted some €70 billion to people and projects across the EU. This money comes on top of Member State funding from public and/or private sectors in the country concerned.
The ESF 2007-2013
From 1 January 2007, a new programming round for the Structural Funds will begin for 27 Member States (including Romania and Bulgaria). A new set of simplified rules are being prepared, which will enable the Funds to respond more effectively to the challenges of the 21st century. For the beneficiaries of the ESF this will mean better jobs and opportunities for all.
The links between the ESF and the policy framework – the European Employment Strategy – are being reinforced so that the ESF can contribute more effectively to the employment objectives and targets of the "Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs". Particular importance is being placed on the strategy's three main objectives of full employment, quality and productivity at work, social cohesion and social inclusion.
