Accessibility tools
Service tools
Language selector
Navigation path
Guidelines on SCOs within ESI - Revised version 27/5/2021 (27/05/2021)
This document provides technical guidance on costs declared on the basis of a flat rate, lump sums and standard scales of unit costs (hereinafter referred to as Simplified Cost Options) applicable to the ESI Funds and aims at sharing good practices with a view to encouraging Member States to use them. It covers the possibilities offered by the legal framework of the ESI Funds for the 2014-2020 programming period.
Access to social protection for workers and the self-employed Best practice examples from EU Member States (25/01/2019)
This publication is a collection of best practice examples showing how European Member States are improving access to social protection for workers and the self-employed. The publication was developed by, and aimed for national authorities and social partners to support the implementation of social protections measures under the European Pillar of Social Rights.
European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 - 2018 Summary report of the programme annual implementation reports covering implementation in 2014-2017 (19/12/2018)
This Report provides the third annual overview of the implementation of the more than 530 shared management (national and regional) programmes based on the annual programme reports received in mid-2018. Specifically, it summarises available performance information covering implementation in the years 2014 to 2017.
Developing ‘Off-the-Shelf’ Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) under Article 14.1 of the European Social Fund (ESF) regulation – Final Report (25/09/2018)
This study recommends off-the-shelf simplified cost options which could be used by Member States to claim reimbursement of ESF spending from the Commission. The scope covers training of the employed and unemployed and employment counselling services. The rates set out are based on statistical data collected by Eurostat and are designed to be as simple and flexible as possible for Member States to apply. The objective is that by using such simplified costs, Member States can considerably reduce the administrative burden and errors associated with implementing the ESF.
Use and intended use of simplified cost options in European Social Fund (ESF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund (CF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (25/06/2018)
This study assesses the use and intended use of Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) across Member States (MS) and ESI Funds1 . The study is based on an online survey carried out between September and October 2017 of all EAFRD, ESF and ERDF-CF Managing Authorities (MAs), including MAs of multi fund programmes. The study reflects MAs’ opinions and uses the data MA have provided. The study shows that between 2014 and 2017 the large majority of ESIF MAs used SCOs (64% of EAFRD Rural Development Programmes (RDPs), 73% of ERDF-CF Operational Programmes (OPs) and 95% of ESF OPs. In terms of projects, the number of projects using SCO is 19% for EAFRD, 65% for ESF, 50% for ERDF and 25% for CF. SCOs are expected to be used even more as from 2018. It is expected that at the end of the programming period SCOs will cover approximately 33% of ESF, 2% of EAFRD and 4% of ERDF-CF budget. In the case of ERDF-CF, the use of SCO is higher for ETC programmes.
Toolbox 2017 edition - Quality of Public administration (14/11/2017)
The Toolbox aims to support, guide and encourage those who want to modernise public administrations in support of prosperous, fair and resilient societies. It is intended as a reference and resource by pointing readers to existing EU policies and international practices, illustrated by inspirational case studies. The Toolbox 2017 edition is fully updated, building on user feedback and demand for more detailed information, as well as wider coverage of topics. It includes more recent policy developments and refreshed case studies.
Simplified Cost Options in the European Social Fund - Promoting simplification and result-orientation (02/12/2016)
Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) change how we reimburse expenditure under ESF projects. Rather than paying on the basis of real costs backed up with invoices and receipts, we pay on the basis of pre-defined standard scales of unit costs, flat rate or lump sum payments. SCOs are proven to reduce the error rate for the programme and also to reduce the administrative burden for Member States and beneficiaries. They can also help put a greater focus on the outputs and results achieved. This report reviews the current and planned take-up of SCOs. It summarises outcomes for the 2007-2013 period and the regulatory improvements on SCOs for the 2014-2020 period. It presents an overview of the planned implementation of SCOs during the current programming period, and the benefits that national authorities derive from them. Finally, it looks at what else needs to be done to increase the use of SCOs. The results represent the most comprehensive estimate available of the use of the SCOs in the ESF.
The EU Youth Employment Initiative - Investing in young people (25/11/2016)
This brochure describes how the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) supports measures aiming to reduce youth unemployment in the worst affected areas of the EU. It explains the relationship between the YEI and Youth Guarantee schemes, shows how the YEI complements other EU funding instruments such as the European Social Fund (ESF) and highlights the YEI’s achievements so far. The brochure also showcases a selection of the varied projects that are benefiting from YEI funding.
Study: The implementation of the performance frameworks in 2014-2020 ESI Funds (03/10/2016)
The performance framework (PF) and performance reserve have been included as compulsory elements in programmes in the 2014-2020 programming period of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in order to ensure that programmes are kept on track to achieve their objectives and that progress can be adequately measured. This report provides a synthesis covering the manner in which the provisions relating to the PF and the performance reserve are reflected in all Partnership Agreements (PA), operational programmes (OP) under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Goal (IGJ) financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF), including multi-fund programmes co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), and the European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes financed by the ERDF.
Study: The implementation of the provisions in relation to the ex-ante conditionalities during the programming phase of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds (03/10/2016)
The study reviews the implementation of the ex-ante conditionalities that were introduced in the Regulations of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds and were assessed through the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes developed to deliver those funds.
Synthesis report on the ‘Pilot projects to carry out ESF related counterfactual impact evaluations’ (01/07/2016)
The evaluation report reviews a positive impact of active labour market policies on employment and of vocational training on youth. Eight ESF funded projects were chosen as pilot projects to measure the causal effects of European Social Fund policies and were discussed at a conference held in Brussels on 12 November 2015.
Study: The use of new provisions during the programming phase of the European Structural and Investment Funds (31/05/2016)
The analysis of all the 28 Partnership Agreements and of 292 operational and co-operation programmes for the 2014-2020 period financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Social Fund, completed with a survey of managing authorities and interviews at European, national and regional levels, revealed that the new regulatory framework has significantly altered the Member States’ approach to programming.
Background note: Support to asylum seekers under the European Social Fund and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (25/09/2015)
The objective of this note is therefore to clarify the scope of support which the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) can provide to asylum seekers at different stages since their arrival in the Union. It also intends to clarify the differences between these two funds and other Union instruments that provide targeted support to asylum seekers, notably the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and provides guidance on how complementarities and synergies between the different funds can be achieved.
Guidance on standard scales of unit costs and lump sums adopted under Article 14(1) Reg. (EU) 1304/2013 (12/06/2015)
This guidance note specifically covers the situation where the Commission decides to exercise its prerogative to prepare a delegated act on the basis of data submitted for the consideration of the Commission by Member States under Article 14(1) Reg. (EU) 1304/2013.
Guidance for beneficiaries of European Structural and Investment Funds and related EU instruments (02/12/2014)
This guide explains how to effectively access and use the European Structural and Investment Funds and on how to exploit complementary aspects with other instruments of relevant Union policies.
Guidance on implementing the Youth Employment Initiative - ESF thematic paper (23/09/2014)
This guidance document on the YEI targets in particular the ESF managing authorities in charge of the implementation of the Initiative. It provides an overview of the rules applicable focusing on targets groups, programming aspects, scope and financial rules of the YEI.
Investing in people: EU funding for employment and social inclusion (28/07/2014)
Volume 7 of the Social Europe guide focuses on EU funding instruments used to help people into employment or out of poverty and social exclusion. The guide outlines the aims and objectives of four specific funds: the European Social Fund (ESF); the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD); the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI); and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).
The implementation of simplified cost options with the ESF in Italy: a case study - ESF thematic paper (25/07/2014)
SCOs were introduced in the 2007–2013 programming period for ESF in order to reduce the administrative burden on Managing Authorities when implementing ESF co-funded projects and on beneficiaries. SCOs enable also to shift the focus from input to output and results. This thematic paper shares the Italian experience with this tool in the hope that good practices can be taken up by other EU countries when managing ESF projects.
Assessing the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the ESF Learning Networks (03/07/2014)
This summary presents the findings of an evaluation aimed at assessing the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the ESF Learning Networks. Findings are based on research undertaken between May 2013 and April 2014.
Youth Employment Initiative and the European Social Fund - ESF thematic paper (31/03/2014)
This thematic paper provides an overview of the European Social Fund's track record in supporting initiatives for combatting youth unemployment and its potential to provide further and better targeted support to young people in the 2014-20 programming period. The brochure furthermore details the legal context, functioning and objectives of the newly launched Youth Employment Initiative which represents substantial dedicated funding to support Member State policies to combat youth unemployment.
Final Synthesis Report: Main ESF achievements, 2007-2013 – ESF Expert Evaluation Network (26/03/2014)
This overall synthesis report of the main ESF achievements over the 2007-2013 programming period is based on a review of Annual Implementation Reports delivered by Member States (to extract statistical and other key data and information) and on evidence from evaluations carried out in the respective countries to create a country report organised around 6 policy fields - increasing adaptability, enhancing access to employment, reinforcing social inclusion, enhancing investment in human capital, promoting partnerships and strengthening institutional capacity. Drawing on the evidence presented in these country reports, the overall synthesis report provides a picture of what has been achieved by the ESF. The results reported are generally based on data and evaluations covering the period 2007 to end 2012.
Info graphic: Transparent and effective public services (07/02/2014)
Reducing regulatory and administrative burdens and promoting high standards of transparency, efficency and accountability in public administration helps to increase productivity, strengthen competitiveness and ultimately, create jobs. The European Social Fund (ESF) is a concrete European contribution to national policy reforms in the area of public administration and good governance.
Promoting inclusive growth - ESF thematic paper (31/01/2014)
The changing economic and social climate over the past years has caused a rethink of policies governing the labour market, social inclusion and education. The current emphasis is on anti-crisis, short-term measures aimed at limiting unemployment and reigning in social disparities. Nonetheless, the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU now accounts for nearly one-fourth of the EU population. The European Social Fund is playing a key role in helping Member States increase employment and skills by training their work force, reducing poverty and cut across bottle-necks in the job market by reforming education and training systems and boosting worker mobility.
Il-kodiċi ta' kondotta Ewropew dwar is-sħubija (29/01/2014)
Is-sħubija, wieħed mill-prinċipji ewlenin tal-ġestjoni tal-fondi tal-Unjoni Ewropea, timplika kooperazzjoni mill-qrib bejn l-awtoritajiet pubbliċi fuq livell nazzjonali, reġjonali u lokali fl-Istati Membri u mal-imsieħba soċjali, NGOs u oħrajn b’interess relevanti.
Promoting good governance - ESF thematic paper (29/01/2014)
A well run public administration system benefits people and business. The ongoing economic challenges mean less money is available for administrative activities: but good governance and legal certainty is central to economic growth. Through support to organisational and technological innovation via improvement of systems, structures and processes, human resources and service delivery, the European Social Fund is helping administrations across the EU rise to the challenge.
Info Graphic: Getting people into jobs (20/12/2013)
The European Social Fund (ESF) supports organisations around the EU to put in place projects aimed at training people and helping them get work. Projects supporting small start-ups with timely funding and companies who want to re-think their approach to their older workers are also funded. In a challenging job market, the ESF helps people make the most of their opportunities.
Info graphic: More jobs, less marginalisation (22/11/2013)
Employment is the most effective way of giving people independence, financial security and a sense of belonging. The European Social Fund (ESF) finances many thousands of projects to help people in difficulties and those from disadvantaged groups to get skills, to get jobs and have the same opportunities as others do.
L-Inizjattiva favur l-Impjiegi għaż-Żgħażagħ - reġjuni eleġibbli (19/11/2013)
L-Inizjattiva Favur l-Impjiegi Għaż-Żgħażagħ (YEI - Youth Employment Initiative) sejra tappoġġa esklussivament liżżgħażagħ bla xogħol, mhux fis-sistema edukattiva jew f’taħriġ, f’reġjuni li qegħdin jesperjenzaw rati ta’ qgħad fost iż-żgħażagħ ta’ aktar minn 25%.
Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew fuq il-post tax-xogħol – Indaħħlu n-nies fis-suq tax-xogħol (18/11/2013)
Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE) jappoġġja lill-organizzazzjonijiet madwar l-UE sabiex jimplimentaw proġetti li huma mmirati biex iħarrġu lin-nies u jgħinuhom isibu xogħol. Huma ffinanzjati wkoll proġetti li jappoġġjaw negozji żgħar li jkunu għadhom jiftħu b’finanzjament f’waqtu u kumpaniji li jridu jfasslu mill-ġdid l-approċċ tagħhom għall-ħaddiema akbar fl-età. F’suq tax-xogħol impenjattiv, il-FSE jgħin lin-nies jisfruttaw l-opportunitajiet tagħhom bl-aqwa mod possibbli.
Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew fuq il-post tax-xogħol – Aktar impjiegi, inqas marġinalizzazzjoni (18/11/2013)
Ix-xogħol huwa l-aktar mod effettiv ta’ kif in-nies jingħataw l-indipendenza, is-sigurtà finanzjarja u sens ta’ appartenenza. Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE) jiffinanzja ħafna eluf ta’ proġetti li huma intiżi biex jgħinu lill-persuni li jinsabu f’diffikultà u lil dawk minn gruppi żvantaġġjati sabiex jiksbu l-ħiliet, isibu x-xogħol u jkollhom l-istess opportunitajiet bħal persuni oħrajn.
Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew fuq il-post tax-xogħol – Nagħtu l-ħiliet meħtieġa liż-żgħażagħ Ewropej sabiex ikunu jistgħu jintegraw fis-suq tax-xogħol tal-lum (18/11/2013)
Minħabba l-kobor tal-isfida ppreżentata mill-qgħad fost iż-żgħażagħ madwar l-UE, huwa ċar li ż-żgħażagħ ser jibqgħu fuq quddiemnett tal-prijoritajiet tal-Ewropa matul is-snin li ġejjin. Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE) jiffinanzja ħafna eluf ta’ proġetti intiżi biex jgħinu liż-żgħażagħ jiksbu t-taħriġ u l-opportunitajiet li jeħtieġu sabiex isibu x-xogħol.
Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew fuq il-post tax-xogħol – Servizzi pubbliċi trasparenti u effettivi (18/11/2013)
It-tnaqqis tal-piżijiet regolatorji u amministrattivi u l-promozzjoni ta’ standards għoljin ta’ trasparenza, effiċjenza u kontabbiltà fl-amministrazzjoni pubblika jgħinu sabiex tiżdied il-produttività, tissaħħaħ il-kompetittività u, fl-aħħarnett, jinħolqu l-impjiegi. Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE) huwa kontribuzzjoni Ewropea konkreta għar-riformi tal-politika nazzjonali fil-qasam tal-amministrazzjoni pubblika u l-governanza tajba.
Seba’ Ħajjiet - Fit-triq għas-suċċess mal-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (19/08/2013)
Iltaqa’ ma’ Brigitte, James, Jolanta, Anna, Nauras, Ebrahim u Carlos f’Seba’ Ħajjiet. Sir af dwar kif kull wieħed u waħda minnhom sabu triqathom u temmew b’suċċess proġett professjonali grazzi għall-proġetti u programmi appoġġjati fi nanzjarjament mill-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE).
EU Cohesion Policy contributing to employment and growth in Europe - Background paper (19/07/2013)
The Union's cohesion policy – funded with EUR 346 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Cohesion Fund - represents 35 % of the Union's budget over the period 2007-2013. Together with the co-financing provided by Member States, cohesion policy accounts for a very significant proportion of public investment in Europe. As part of the essential economic policy package of macro-economic and fiscal stability, structural reforms and growth enhancing measures, EU cohesion policy is making a significant contribution to investments in employment and growth in Europe.
Final Synthesis Report on Women and Young People - ESF Expert Evaluation Network (01/07/2013)
This synthesis report focuses on the support provided by ESF to women and young people. The main resource used in creating the synthesis report is a set of 10 detailed country reports, 5 focussed on women (DE, ES, GR, PL and UK) and 5 on young people (AT, CZ, FR, IT and PT).
Setting and adjusting targets for ESF Operational Programmes - Background paper (26/05/2013)
In preparation of the ESF 2014-2020 multi-annual framework, the European Commission organised a learning seminar on setting and adjusting targets for ESF Operational Programmes. To account for expenditures, indicators on outputs (numbers of participants, entities) and results (numbers of participants finding employment, gaining a qualification etc.) are essential. This background paper discusses methodologies for setting and adjusting quantified cumulative employment targets.
ESF performance target setting and adjusting in social inclusion - Background paper (16/05/2013)
In preparation for the programming period 2014-2020 Member States are required to develop performance indicators and set targets for monitoring the implementation and performance of Operational Programmes (OPs). This background paper summarises the main methodologies for ESF target setting and adjusting in OPs in social inclusion.
Evaluation of the reaction of the ESF to the economic and financial crisis (21/05/2012)
This Final Report on the ‘Evaluation of the reaction of the ESF to the economic and financial crisis’ provides an assessment of the part that the ESF has played in helping the EU and Member States respond to the challenges posed by the recent recession.
Posters dwar l-oqsma ewlenin ta’ l-attività tal-FSE (06/12/2011)
Din is-serje ta’ 6 posters turi l-oqsma differenti ta’ l-attività tal-FSE, bħall-integrazzjoni soċjali u l-appoġġ lill-ħaddiema u l-intrapriżi li jkunu għaddejjin minn bidla.
Tista’ tniżżilhom bħala PDF, jew tordnahom bħala kopji pprintjati.
Final Report, Executive Summaries, Country Monographs and Case Studies - Assessment of administrative and institutional capacity building interventions and future needs in the context of ESF (28/04/2011)
The study aims to provide an analysis of the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of ESF interventions in administrative and institutional capacity building.
Developing logics of intervention and related common indicators for the next ESF Operational Programmes (04/04/2011)
The logic of intervention framework developed by this study is presented in a table format so that Operational Programmes (OPs) can be summarised systematically and in a manner that makes the logical flow of the OP, including the choice of indicators, transparent.
Capacity of the ESF delivery systems to attract and support OP target groups (08/03/2011)
The purpose of this evaluation has been to provide knowledge on how ESF delivery systems work in practice, with a view to improving the capacity of the delivery systems in the Member States to attract and support Operational Programme target groups.
Għajnuna konkreta (16/02/2011)
Erba’ ħajjiet, erba’ toroq. Skopri fil-komik il-ġdid Għajnuna Konkreta kif Alex, Nataline, Ivana u Dimitra rnexxielhom jibdlu d-destin tagħhom. Skopri kif dawn l-erba’ Ewropej laqgħu sfida ġdida f’ħajjithom blgħajnuna tal-appoġġ tal-Ewropa, permezz tal-Fond Soċjali Ewropew. Wara s-suċċess tal-komik Nifs Ġdid, ippubblikat fl-2010 fi 23 lingwa, il-Kummissjoni Ewropea qiegħda tipproponi din it-tieni sensiela b’sensibilità kbira. Ispirati minn stejjer reali, dawn l-avventuri umani tqiegħdu fi stampi minn erba’ kittieba ta’ talent: Maud Millecamps, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Vanyda u You fuq xeni ta’ Rudi Miel. Dan il-ktieb, b’rakkonti bl-istampi, huwa disponibbli fit-23 lingwa uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea.
Study on the Return on ESF Investment in Human Capital (01/08/2010)
This study applies to human capital investments understood as public expenditures in: (1) education and training of employees, job-seekers and/or inactive people, (2) internships and temporary work placement associated with education or training, and (3) strengthening the capacity of education and training systems and structures.
Mid-term evaluation of the work carried out by the European Commission to communicate on the European Social Fund (ESF) during the programming period 2007-2013 (30/07/2010)
This evaluation examined the ESF I&C activities/tools undertaken and produced by the EC 2007-2009 and indicated if and how activities/tools were used, found to be appropriate and useful by respective target audiences.
Nifs Ġdid (01/04/2010)
Julie, Viktor, Pedro u Fianne ma jemmnux fid-destin! Skopri permezz ta’ komik kif setgħu jimxu ‘l quddiem bis-saħħa tal-appoġġ tal-Ewropa. Dawn l-erba’ stejjer, li ġew ispirati minn stejjer vera, juru li bl-appoġġ u l-perseveranza, kulħadd jista’ jieħu nifs ġdid. L-istorja tagħhom tista’ tkun l-istorja tiegħek! “Nifs gdid”, li tpinġa b’sensittività u pudur minn Vanyda, Durieux, Savoia u Gihef, fuq test ta’ Rudi Miel, huwa rakkont bl-istampi editjat mid-Direttorat Ġenerali għall-Impjiegi, l-Affarijiet Soċjali u l-Opportunitajiet Indaqs tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea, fuq l-inizjattiva tal-Fond Soċjali Ewropew. Dan il-ktieb, b’rakkonti bl-istampi, huwa disponibbli fit-23 lingwa uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea.
Eurobarometer survey (01/01/2010)
The majority of Europeans believe the EU can actively help their countries to recover from the impact of the economic downturn. According to a recent opinion survey, more and more people are also aware of the European Social Fund and have their own views on where Europe should be directing its efforts.
Synthesis of EU 15 evaluation reports on EQUAL during 2007 and 2008 (27/11/2009)
The main aim of this synthesis exercise is twofold: to allow better exploitation of the results of EQUAL in the preparation, management, monitoring and evaluation of future programmes, and to facilitate the post-evaluation of the programme.
Evaluation of Article 6 call for projects on the Innovative Management of Change (01/08/2009)
The results of the evaluation are designed to be appropriate for use in policy development within DG Employment and Social Affairs and to animate discussion with Member States and relevant stakeholders about innovative actions and mainstream operations supported by the ESF.
Jagħmel differenza fil-ħajja – L-UE tinvesti fin-nies permezz tal-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (01/06/2009)
Fil-verità x’tagħmel l-UE għaċ-ċittadini? Il-Fond Soċjali Ewropew (FSE) huwa waħda mit-tweġibiet għall-mistoqsija, investiment f’madwar 10 miljun ruħ kull sena fis-27 Stat Membru.Dan il-ktieb jagħti l-istejjer ta’ 54 persuna – tnejn kull Stat Membru – li ħatfu l-opportunitajiet offruti minn inizjattivi ffinanzjati mill-FSE.L-intervisti jiffukaw fuq nisa u rġiel, ta’ kull grupp ta’ età minn żgħażagħ sa pensjonanti, f’komunitajiet urbani u rurali, f'kull pajjiż tal-UE. Dalwaqt ikun disponibbli fil-lingwi uffiċjali kollha tal-UE.
Study on the relevance and reliability of available information for the ex-post evaluation of the European Social Fund (2000-2006) (01/07/2008)
This study covers the 2000-2006 cycle of the ESF in the 15 old Member States, plus the 2004-2006 period in 10 new Member States. The ESF al-located 68.7 billion euros to 239 programmes.
Dokument ta’ informazzjoni dwar l-istatistika (01/01/2008)
Oferind o prezentare generală a activităţilor Fondului Social European pentru perioada 2007-2013, această broşură prezintă o defalcare a principalelor fapte şi cifre ale programului. Broşura conţine informaţii despre finanţările FSE în contextul bugetului total al UE, modalităţile în care banii sunt cheltuiţi şi obiectivele Fondului.