New streamlined funding for European Social Fund and social policy

Summary:

The Commission has adopted a package of proposals designed to streamline and target spending on EU employment and social policy. The new European Social Fund (ESF) for 2007-2013 will link funding with policies to boost employment and strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Employment Strategy (EES). With less red tape, simpler rules and more decentralisation to the Member States, it will be both easier to manage and better equipped to tackle the new challenges arising from enlargement, the ageing population and globalisation. It will be complemented by a new programme that will rationalise funding for other actions supporting the Commission's employment and social policy.