Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006

Summary:

The European Social Fund (ESF) supports policies and priorities aiming to achieve progress towards full employment, enhance quality and productivity at work, increase the geographical and occupational mobility of workers within the Union, improve education and training systems, and promote social inclusion, thereby contributing to economic, social and territorial cohesion.

As the ESF should be fully aligned with the Europe 2020 Strategy and its headline targets, it should support the policies pursued by the Member States under the Integrated Guidelines adopted in accordance with Articles 121 and 148(4) of the Treaty and the Recommendations on the National Reform Programmes. The setting of minimum shares and amounts for the ESF as one of the Structural Funds will ensure that the Union priorities are adequately reflected in the volume of investment that directly targets European citizens.

The ESF will also make a valuable contribution to other important priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy, such as strengthening our investment in research and innovation, enhancing the accessibility and use of information and communication technologies, increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy, protecting the environment, and promoting the sustainable use of resources. The ESF will work in synergy with the new integrated Programme for Social Change and Innovation. Together, they will constitute the comprehensive European Employment and Social Inclusion Initiative.