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The European Commission provides funding for projects relating to employment, social affairs and social inclusion through the following programmes.
The ESF funds projects designed to help people improve their work skills and job prospects. To apply, public and private organisations should contact the ESF managing authorities in their country. The European Commission sets funding priorities but is not directly involved in selecting projects.
More about the ESF
ESF in your country
PROGRESS supports policy development work relating to employment, working conditions, gender equality, social inclusion and social protection, non-discrimination and diversity.
To apply for funding, eligible organisations – including public authorities, educational and research institutions, employers' associations and NGOs – must respond to a call for tenders or and call for proposals.
More about the PROGRESS programme
The EGF helps workers made redundant as a result of changing global trade patterns to find another job as quickly as possible. Individuals or companies affected by redundancy and wishing to apply for funding should contact their national authority.
The European Union has set up a new microfinance facility offering microcredit to small businesses and to people who have lost their jobs and want to set up a small business.
More about Progress Microfinance
IPA provides financial assistance to help candidate countries and potential candidates to introduce political and institutional reforms needed to meet EU membership requirements.
More specifically, the Human Resources Development policy area of IPA prepares countries to programme, manage and implement ESF funds. Like the ESF, IPA also helps to improve the skills, create more and better jobs, and increase social inclusion and equality.