The European Social Fund: Investing in people

Summary:

As part of the Agenda 2000 reform package, the European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council regulation reforming the European Social Fund (ESF) in the light of the new Treaty provisions on employment, and effectively making the ESF the European Union's financial arm of the European Employment Strategy. The proposed regulation sets out measures aimed at strengthening the policy focus of ESF activities, harnessing them in support of the European Employment Strategy and of the National Action Plans designed to implement it. The proposal seeks to streamline and rationalise the Fund's structure and operation, ensuring optimal targeting and impact, and to simplify and decentralise the administrative and financial processes. In order to improve implementation of ESF activities, a clearer division of responsibilities and an increased involvement of regional and local authorities, NGOs and relevant interest groups in all phases of the process is provided for.