The ESF in the news

Significant acceleration of ESF implementation at end 2011

27/01/2012

Cohesion Policy achieves positive spending results in 2011

High payment rates from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Cohesion Fund demonstrates that the implementation of EU funding for long-term growth and jobs is gathering full speed. Payments to Member States from cohesion policy budget hit a record total of 32.9 billion Euro in 2011.

"The substantial take-up of ESF reflects the growing importance to invest in peoples skills and employability in times when the employment and social effects of the crisis become ever more visible", said Commissioner Lászlo Andor, responsible for Employment, social affairs and inclusion. He added that "The ESF support is a forceful demonstration of the EU's solidarity with its citizens, which is of particular importance in these difficult times".

At mid term of the 2007-2013 funding period, the average payment rate for all three funds was 33.4% of the amounts allocated for the 7 years. The ESF payments rate has increased by 52%, from 23.25% at end 2010 to 35.43% at end 2011. As for ERDF, payments increased by 55% year-on-year from 22.3% at end 2010 to 34.3% at end 2011. Although there are significant differences between countries: 18.68% in Romania and 60.43% in Ireland, all member states have improved the use of the funds in 2011.