Since 2005, Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG) has produced ‘Discrimination and the Roma Community’, an annual report that spotlights the continuing fight against discrimination and anti-Gypsyism in Spain.

The publication outlines an unprecedented €2 trillion stimulus package that will support citizens, companies and regions most affected by the pandemic.

The Youthreach programme aims to help young people mainly in the 15-20 age group to make the transition from school to work through the provision of co-ordinated foundation training, education and work experience.

A Polish education project is fighting the pandemic with the help of ESF funding.

Project provides much-needed aid to employers who had to close their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Young people in the Friuli Venezia Guilia region of Italy are finding it a bit easier to find their way into sustainable work with the help of an ESF-funded project

Young people in Croatia are getting a helping hand to find their path to a good career.

A project in Romania has given children and young adults who have left education another chance at building a career.

In the Extremadura province in Spain, a project is helping families caring for disabled children to mitigate the social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ‘Youth Transition’ project in Slovenia helps thousands of students with disabilities enter higher education or find work.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for quality online education in the digital era.

Thanks to the ‘Children's Healthy Lifestyle Academy’ in Lithuania, pupils aged 5-14 years are receiving guidance and training sessions on where food comes from and how to build a healthy diet.

In Sicily, Italy, ‘Cat@ct’ provides social support and care to vulnerable children and young people.

Hungary’s ‘Sure Start’ centres offer vital support to vulnerable pre-school-aged children across the country. Specialised centres offer a wide range of services for children aged 0-3 – and their parents – in a safe and friendly environment.

The “Support to reduce Early School Leaving” project is helping Latvian students under 12 to stay in school. The project promotes a collaborative network of municipalities, schools, teachers, education staff and parents to help students continue their education.

Education in science is crucial in early childhood. The “Design and Implementation of a Modern Science-Based Learning Approach in Schools” project in Estonia is providing concrete opportunities for students to nurture skills and interest in science.

To help those who have left school early get back on track, the ‘Gonesse Digital Factory’ provides digitally-centred training activities to help young people develop new skills.

‘Baby’s Dowry’ offers vital assistance to families at risk of poverty.

An innovative project in Bulgaria is supporting children at risk of social exclusion from communities where they speak languages other than Bulgarian outside of school.

The ‘Caravelles’ project in Belgium is helping children with special educational needs become more socially included by providing free support to kindergartens and nursery staff.

The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) is supporting vulnerable families in Ireland the 'FEAD School Stationery Kits' initiative.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to digitalise education equipment and resources – as well as the need to train teachers and families to support students in this new era.

‘Baby's Dowry’ has supported more than a thousand of families at risk of poverty in Cyprus since February 2018.

An ESF-supported project is helping parents uncover the best opportunities for their children’s development.

JUGEND AKTIV PLUS’ supports young adults not in employment, education or training (NEETs).

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many polish students and teachers found themselves unable to pursue education online due to a lack of equipment and training.

According to a recent Commission report assessing the European Social Fund (ESF) and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) support, from 2014 until 2018, approximately 23 million persons participated in ESF actions; 52% of participants were women. Of those participating, nearly 3.2 million persons have already found employment and 3.9 million successfully gained a qualification.

The aim of the "Template" programme from the Czech Ministry of Education, co-financed by the ESF, is to improve teaching and learning through ICT technologies.

The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and EU Member States in the Council on the Commission's proposal for a Regulation on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

The latest episode of the Euronews Real Economy magazine focuses on Europe’s Green Deal and what that could mean for our jobs and the economy.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is supporting people who require 24 hour care – as well as their caregivers. Measures such as these help to fight the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thanks to €110 million from the European Social Fund, the Croatian Employment Service is helping people keep their jobs in the sectors impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Co-financed by Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), warm lunch support provides food to more than 50 000 people every day.

A Swedish project is ensuring the health and rights of vulnerable EU citizens are protected.

With the economic outlook darkening, Portugal’s families are trying to keep their heads above water.

An ESF-funded project will give young persons living in Paris a boost in their search for employment.

In Lahti, Finland, hundreds of people over 30 are taking advantage of a project offering free career advice for people aged over 30.

Omstart gives municipalities insight into new methods of working and achieving education that may lead young people into reengaging with work and study.

Citizens’ participation and volunteerism are increasingly essential for building a collective response to the coronavirus pandemic. A Milanese project aims to harness the power of activism in order to transform some of the city’s most disadvantaged areas.

The ‘Twente Fund for Craftsmanship’ aims to promote lifelong development for working people, self-employed persons and job-seekers.

Thematic reports give a detailed overview of European Social Fund (ESF) and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) contributions – funds that invest in particularly important components for creating a healthy, green and competitive Europe.

The report provides a summary of monitoring information reported by Member States in their European Social Fund 2018 Annual Implementation Reports submitted to the Commission in 2019.

The world has been irrevocably changed by the coronavirus pandemic, and Europe is no exception. Our health systems, economies and way of life have suffered, requiring dramatic action to ensure our society recovers.

“FIBA 2 ” is a project in Bavaria funded by the European Social Fund providing employment support to refugees to restart their careers and rebuild their lives.

A German-led mobility project has given thousands of Europeans the opportunity to gain skills and confidence by working abroad.

A Swedish project is ensuring the health and rights of vulnerable EU citizens are protected.

ESF provides €25 million for project enabling 1500 firms to sustain long-term employment for older staff.

The VET Excellence awards recognises individuals and organisations for their efforts in promoting high quality Vocational and Educational Training. This year, the Italian project 'Green Leather Manager' won the prize in the 'European funding' category.

ESF-funded project facilitates prisoners’ reintegration into society

The European Commission has today welcomed the agreement between the European Parliament and EU Member States in the Council on Europe's next long-term budget and NextGenerationEU, the temporary recovery instrument.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is aiming to help Denmark's socially disadvantaged refugees enter the labour market.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is devoted to helping schools succeed during the current pandemic. Often, this requires a new, innovative look at how students can maintain their studies when class-based lessons are not possible.

The next virtual meeting of the INIO Network, which gathers the of the ESF Communicators from across EU, will take place on 25 November 2020.

The European Commission has approved the modification of the two operational programmes (OP) for Cyprus, which will release more than €57 million to help address the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the country’s economy and health system.

Slovak students are getting ready for the digital revolution. Thanks to grants from the European Social Fund (ESF), the ‘IT Academy’ is preparing a new generation of students to thrive in the information societies of tomorrow.

Portugal Inovação Social is a European Social Fund(ESF) initiative that contributes to building healthy social economy ecosystems in Portugal.

Research highlights need to reform care institutions and offers solutions for more humane, person-centred, and individualised models of care

The European Vocational Skills Week is an annual event where local, regional or national organisations showcase the very best of vocational education and training (VET).

The Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic presents a major challenge to the entire European Union. National, regional and local communities have been on the front line in countering the disease and its socio-economic impact.

The Municipality of Turin has launched the “Community concierge” to provide virtual and physical assistance to both vulnerable families and single people.

‘COM_VIDA’, a local service for Municipality of Beja, is aiming to promote active ageing with the help of a multidisciplinary team, The Centro Social Nossa Senhora da Graça.

The Commission’s staff working document presents the main findings of the evaluation of the ESF and YEI support to youth employment during the period 2014-2018.

The Empleaverde Programme of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge is an initiative of the Biodiversity Foundation to promote and improve employment, entrepreneurship and the environment.

Over 430 people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in Poznań and the wider Wielkopolska region of Poland will be provided with support in finding work and socially reintegrating, thanks to the Wielkopolska Centre of Economy of Solidarity project. At least 50% of these people will find a job, mainly in social enterprises.

ESF is helping to support rapid and efficient restructuring in Denmark’s retail trade, due to the major changes the COVID-19 pandemic has created.

Co-funded by the ESF, a project in Greece is providing support for the safe and smooth relaunch of planned educational activities in universities through the provision of medical supplies to students.

One-to-one supports are effective in helping the long-term unemployed with low levels of education to transition into employment.

The Commission has released financial data on cohesion policy implementation in the first half of 2020 on the ESIF Open Data Platform. More than EUR 23 billion was invested across the Union under the 4 cohesion policy funds.

The European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek) is the biggest annual Brussels-based event dedicated to regional policy. This year it will take place from 5-22 October.

A Luxembourg-based skills project, backed by grants from the European Social Fund (ESF), has been helping low-income families to access home-based schooling and migrants and jobseekers to improve their language and digital literacy skills during the continuing Coronavirus pandemic.

Technocité is amongst the best European Social Fund (ESF) projects in the Wallonia Region for training and skills development.

How do we represent the European Social Fund (ESF) for young people effectively? What are the competences for successful audio-visual communication? Are we sure of the quality and accuracy of what is circulating on the web?

A new study evaluates the support provided through the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) and the European Social Fund (ESF) during the period 2014-2018.

The European Commission is taking action to give young people all possible opportunities to develop their full potential to shape the future of the EU and thrive in the green and digital transitions.

The ‘Crowdfunding and ESF opportunities: future perspectives for managing authorities’ webinar will be taking place on 6 July 2020

The health sector and public health policy play a fundamental role within the European Union context and across the Member States.

Due to the coronavirus social distancing measures, this year’s INFORM-INIO Meeting goes virtual.

The Czech Republic has used financial resources from the Czech Operational Program Employment, financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), to create a National Screening Centre for early Detection of Infective Diseases.

On the 25th May 2020, the Italian National Institute on Anti-discrimination (UNAR), the National Health Institute and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs launched an initiative for the rights of transgender people in Italy.

On 11 May 2020, over 500 participants from managing authorities, financial intermediaries, EU institutions and other European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) stakeholders joined the first webinar on ‘ESIF financial instruments under the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative’.

Euroopan komissio esittää tarvittavia muutoksia EU:n sosiaalisiin rahoitusohjelmiin kriisinjälkeisten sosiaalisten ja työttömyyshaasteiden päihittämiseksi.

At 355 billion euros, the EU's structural and cohesion funds constitute a significant chunk of spending.

Social support houses needed support as soon as possible. As part of the Regional Operational Program for the Silesia Voivodship in 2014-2020, the European Social Fund (ESF) was specifically earmarked for the implementation of the project worth over PLN 13 million.

European Commission's DG Employment & Social Affairs, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) is pleased to invite you to the webinar "ESIF financial instruments under the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative taking place on 11 May 2020, from 14:00 until 16:15.

Escola Árvore is a school focused on active citizenship and the development of training in areas that require artistic skills. Learning activities are financed by the European Social Fund within the Human Capital Operational Programme.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is financing the emergency safe space “De Blasiis” in the City of Naples.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is supporting the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region in Poland during a health crisis caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The SYPO project in the Czech Republic aims to support practitioners in education, helping their professional development through a community of practise and peer learning.

Since 2019 the European Social Fund has been financing a new social health service named “Patronage care for adults”.

The coronavirus crisis has led to major changes in the daily lives of all people, first of all, young people.

The project ”Creating and implementing integrated community services” is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Research in Romania.

Statement by President Von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel, following the EU Leaders' video conference on Coronavirus of 23 April.

The Commission welcomes today's votes by the European Parliament which allow for the rapid implementation of a number of Commission proposals to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

Saving lives and supporting livelihoods in these times of acute crisis is paramount.

Employers whose turnover has fallen due to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to seek funding from the European Social Fund (ESF).

The Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative has been adopted and enters into force as of 1 April 2020.The Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative has been adopted and enters into force as of 1 April 2020.

The Parliament's adoption comes only one week after a political agreement between Member States was reached on the proposals, and within two weeks after the proposals were put on the table.

The EU is providing financial support for national, regional and local communities to help fight Coronavirus.

The 2020 Regiostars awards have been launched and will run until 9 May 2020.

Due to coronavirus precautions taken in the European Parliament, the Romani Week will be postponed for later this year.

The European Social Fund (ESF) continues to be Europe’s main source for supporting jobs, helping people get better jobs and ensuring fairer job opportunities.

An interactive visualisation allows stakeholders explore and compare the detailed investment themes across the funds, countries and thematic objectives.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is showcasing Member State videos to highlight the inspirational work being done throughout Europe.

The European Commission's Directorate General for Employment organises the conference for the Polish ESF Managing Authorities to discuss future ESIF support for children.

The fi-compass ‘Thematic workshop on financial instruments supporting student loans’, organised by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment and Social Inclusion (DG EMPL) in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), will take place in Prague on Tuesday, 11 February 2020.

On 14 January 2020 the Commission has presented a Communication on building a strong social Europe for just transitions. It sets out how social policy will help deliver on the challenges and opportunities of today, proposing action at EU level for the months to come, and seeking feedback on further action at all levels in the area of employment and social rights. Already today the Commission launches the first phase consultation with social partners – businesses and trade unions – on the issue of fair minimum wages for workers in the EU.

The EYE2020 Event: The Future is now will take place in Strasbourg on from the 29th - 30th May 2020 and it will host an interesting workshop on the ESF +

Fi Compass is a platform that is provided by the European Commission for advisory services on financial instruments. On the Fi Compass website, there is a selection of videos covering projects within the ESF.

“Europe as you have never heard of it before”, this is the catchphrase that sums up the meaning of “European Social Sound 4U”. Thanks to the initiative’s events you can listen to good music, be heard and have fun whilst learning.

A productive debate hosted by fi-compass on the potential for crowdfunding to be supported by cohesion funds, notably the European Social Fund, took place on 5 December 2019 in Brussels.

On 5 December 2019 in Brussels, fi-compass organised an interesting debate on the use of European social Funds financial instruments in the higher education sector.

Discover how the ESF is creating job opportunities and fighting against social exclusion in Italy.

The ESF is committed to supporting self-development and skills training throughout the EU. This article presents three projects that share the same aim of helping employers and jobseekers meet the requirements for the modern working environment.

250 delegates from across Europe have participated in the biannual meeting of the INFORM-INIO, that was held from 26 to 28 November 2019 in Ghent, Belgium.

A series of videos focusing on the European Social Fund long term unemployed project is now available.

Throughout the Netherlands, projects funded by the ESF are supporting self-development and skills training. This article presents four projects that all share the same aim of helping gain sustainable employment and job satisfaction.

Two Slovenian projects funded by the ESF are bringing together people and employers. Stories from people behind the projects are detailed below.

The fifth edition of the ‘EU Project, My Project’ campaign highlighted EU funded projects in Slovenia.

The ESF has produced four new testimonial spots showcasing the achievements of its project leaders.

Throughout Italy, the ESF has helped to fund projects dedicated to developing employability skills and reduce unemployment. Highlighted in this article are some of the successful projects and the human stories of people involved.

The ESF has been working in Ireland to help change people’s life for the better. This article showcases ESF funded projects and the personal stories from those who have benefited.

Fi-compass and the European Commission have issued a survey on financial instruments under the European Social Fund.

This news article highlights two ESF funded projects dedicated to developing migrant skills in Germany. It focuses on the people behind these projects, and the wider impact it has on society.

The ESIF open data platform provides access to data on financing and achievements under the ESI Funds 2014-2020.

The ESF has been funding projects to support jobs, help people get better jobs and ensure fairer job opportunities across Europe. This article focuses on two project in Sweden and shares the human stories behind the project.

The ESF funds projects across Europe, they help tackle a range of social issues, such as unemployment. This article shares the highlights from four projects throughout the UK and shares the human stories behind these projects.

The ESF has been funding innovative projects across Latvia. Learn more about the human stories behind these projects that provide access to care services to children, an inventive woodwork business, and a project dedicated to helping hearing-impaired women during and after childbirth.

The ESF funds projects across Europe that make a difference to people’s lives. In this news item, we will be sharing a collection of projects that focus on youth inclusion in Germany.

This collection of best practice examples from across Europe highlights the ways European Member States are improving access to social protection for workers and the self-employed.

The agricultural industry is rapidly evolving and requires new skills, competencies and certifications.

The summary report of the programme annual implementation reports covering implementation in 2014-2017, provides an overview of the implementation of more than 530 shared management programmes.

A main priority of the Junker Commission is to put Europe back on the road to growth and jobs.

One of the biggest challenges faced by Europeans is finding a job that is in accordance with their skills and without any discrimination.

The EU protects campaign tells real life stories of people who work for, or are supported by the EU, including ESF and FEAD and whose job it is to keep us all safe.

Projects throughout Slovenia have received support from the ESF in the programming period of 2014-2020.

The Employment Committee at the European Parliament reviewed and voted on the European Commission's proposals for the ESF+.

The Portuguese Government has announced an ESF funded Financial Instrument at the Web Summit in Lisbon.

The third European Vocational Skills Week took place in Vienna 5-9 November 2018. The Week was organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the Austrian Presidency.

Online voting for the VET Excellence Awards 2018 is open now. The awards showcases the best practices in vocational education and training across Europe and this year the awards ceremony will take place at the closing ceremony on 9 November.

An integration and inclusion programme by Murcia’s Regional Employment and Training Service (SEF) helps refugees with courses, provides documentation, and allows them to find suitable jobs.

Ostrava, the Czech Republic’s third largest city, has introduced an ESF-funded pilot social housing scheme to improve social inclusion in the Moravian-Silesian region.

Students in higher education in Northern and Central Portugal, as well as Alentejo, will now have access to low-interest student loans partially funded by the ESF.

Wondering what is happening with the ESF at the local level? Learn more from the stories produced by ESF national and local authorities.

So Stay is a socially-conscious hotel in Gdansk, Poland, that supports care leavers and is in part funded by ESF. Meet Magda, the gastronomy manager at the hotel, and learn more about her story.

The second fi-compass ESF Conference ‘Financial instruments funded by the European Social Fund – boosting social impact’ took place on 8-9 March.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) has signed a guarantee agreement for €50 million with seven member banks of the Erste Group.

The updated 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) report is now available.

For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission proposes to further strengthen the Union’s social dimension with a new and improved European Social Fund, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and a more effective European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).

Olivier, Tree Trimmer Trainee, Forem Secteurs Verts OP Wallonie-Bruxelles 2020.eu

The ESF invests in people. Brigitte and Carlos are representative of the European Social Fund. With two very different paths, they have one thing in common. Both have benefited from the support of the ESF to achieve their professional objectives.

The cultural and educational organisation PiNA launched the project “ADD: Increasing the level of active citizenship and strengthening the social skills of young people in coastal cities”. Its aim is to boost active, equal involvement and participation of young people in local environment, as well as to improve their social skills through education and provide information to young people and key players in the youth field in the region. Koper, 27 August 2014.

In Latvia celebration of the "60 years of European Social Fund" focused on videos with personal stories related to ESF projects. Check out the videos below and see the positive impact it has had on Latvian citizens.

EkoBiz is an EU funded project that aims to tackle the issue of high youth unemployment in the Split-Dalmatia region.

Méditerranéen Road trip for 30 years cohésion.

Two new reports under the framework of ESF Performance and Thematic Reports have just been published:

The Brussels region is boosting its budget to help unemployed youths find work, work experience or training, Actiris announced in a press release on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Province of Liege inaugurated its Technosphere at the Seraing Polytechnic School.

The Times reports that the Planning Authority was awarded €1.4 million in EU funds for two projects set to provide training and scholarship opportunities at an organisational and national level.

On 8-9 March, Fi compass ESF Conference “Financial instruments funded by the European Social Fund – boosting social impact”.

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the European Social Fund.

For over 60 years, the European Social Fund has been supporting Europeans.

08/03/2018 – 09/03/2018 The two-day event, organised in Brussels by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, will focus on topics related to social inclusion and social impact investing, innovative financing models addressing social challenges as well as the role of financial instruments co-funded by the European Social Fund as a possible ground for innovative financing.

The ESF Presidency Conference "Investing in people – the way forward" will take place on 15-16 February in Sofia.

On 10 January 2018 the European Commission launched a series of public consultations for preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The 2017 European Structural and Investment (ESI) Strategic report on the implementation of the funds has officially been published.

This event focused on the implementation of financial instruments under the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds. Managing authorities, financial intermediaries, bodies implementing or considering the implementation of financial instruments under ESI funds were able to engage in lively discussions with representatives of the European institutions and the European Investment Bank, providing, thus, remarkable learning and networking opportunities for everyone involved.

29/11/2017 – 01/12/2017 This three-day event, organised in Brussels by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, will focus on the use of financial instruments under the European Structural and Investment Funds in order to support investments in a wide range of sectors, such as SMEs, energy efficiency, urban development and research & development.

The role of social financial intermediaries in deploying financial instruments under the European Social Fund in the 2014-2020 programming period (event in Brussels, 17/10/2017)

Financial instruments under the ESF can play a key role in increasing the resources available and addressing new social challenges.

On Tuesday evening the European Commission's RegioStars Awards ceremony took place in Brussels as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

The group of independent Cohesion Policy experts presented its final report for a simplified EU funds framework after 2020.

A school has been recognised for its ESF project in a Caribbean French overseas territory.

Eight ESF funded projects will help immigrants start their own businesses in Italy.

An ESF funded project aimed at helping employees learn new skills is in high demand in the Czech Republic.

An ESF-funded project is helping women return to work and start businesses in Germany.

A series of nationwide projects focussed on improving public administration will be implemented in Slovakia.

The 60th anniversary of the European Social Fund was recently marked with celebrations across six regions in Bulgaria.

A partnership between a Superliga football club and a local employment agency is helping the unemployed in Denmark.

An ESF funded project is providing students with professional experience in Slovakia.

A social service is providing personal assistance for the elderly and people with disabilities in Bulgaria.

An ESF funded project has reignited the floral passion of a woman in Lithuania.

A business incubator has helped a woman entrepreneur open a beauty salon in Belgium.

An ESF funded project is helping recent school dropouts gain employment skills in Ireland.

A national vocational skills competition has showcased the professional expertise of students in Latvia.

An association has been awarded funds to train and integrate almost 3 000 unemployed people in Portugal.

Universities have been allocated EUR 555 000 000 to fund development and research activities in the Czech Republic.

An ESF funded project is offering tourism and hospitality courses to students in Denmark.

An EU-funded academy is offering university education to business professionals in Wales.

An ESF-funded project is offering mobile workshops in the metal and wood industry to young people in Estonia.

An ESF-funded project which promotes entrepreneurship has won an award in Croatia.

Young technicians in Poland have received certificates for completing traineeships abroad.

Sheltered employment helped 825 people at risk of exclusion to find a job — twice as many as in 2015.

An ESF funded project offers ICT training to young people living in Greece.

A tournament involving multidisciplinary teams of students promotes innovation in Finland.

A new award is recognising ESF projects which have improved the lives of homeless people since 2010.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, and of the European Social Fund. Nürnberg, Germany held a two-day event to celebrate this ESF milestone.

The conference "European Social Fund - Past, Present and Future was organised by the Maltese Presidency and took place in Gozo from 23-24 March 2017.

Euroopan sosiaalirahasto, EU:n vanhin ja tärkein työväline ihmisiin tehtävissä investoinneissa, täyttää 60 vuotta vuonna 2017.

An ESF co-funded project is helping people to become their own boss, and create even more jobs.

A conference on social entrepreneurship has provided valuable insights in Latvia.

A new project is providing women in Ireland with the training and support they need to help them find work.

An ESF-funded project offers students with disabilities the opportunity of having their first work experience.

A local administration in the Zlin region is receiving funds to improve eGovernment services in the Czech Republic.

An ESF-funded project is using social entrepreneurship to reduce unemployment in Slovakia.

A social enterprise is using doll manufacturing as part of a wider initiative to help people to gain work experience in Sweden.

An ESF-funded project enables people at a homeless shelter to make and enjoy a homemade meal together.

An ESF- funded project helps youngsters in Romorantin to resume their studies.

The call for applications for the 2017 European Public Sector Award has been launched. The EPSA 2017 awards will be presented on the occasion of a high-level event to be held mid-November 2017 in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Euroopan sosiaalirahaston (ESR) 60-vuotista taivalta juhlittiin hiljattain Suomessa.

Uudessa suomalaishankkeessa tarjotaan yrityksille räätälöityä koulutusta.

A new centre is promoting social inclusion for the elderly, the unemployed and marginalised groups in Slovenia.

Projects aiming to help youth in Luxembourg can access ESF funds.

A support centre for a Roma community in Karditsa, Greece has been granted funding for the next three years.

An ESF-funded project in Poland is providing support to individuals in difficult socio-economic situations.

A new ESF-funded project sets up an extensive network to offer families tailored support.

A new project is creating opportunities for employers and the workforce in Bulgaria’s processing industry, and construction and tourism sectors.

An ESF-funded education project is offering free training across Estonia in 2017.

A new project aims to integrate the Roma community into the labour force in Lithuania.

A social services agency will help 50 immigrants with temporary residence permits to find employment in the Netherlands.

More than 22 000 unemployed people gained new skills to help them find work thanks to ESF co-funded training courses.

An ESF-funded project is using a greenhouse to help people socially reintegrate in Sweden.

An ESF-funded project in Bulgaria is providing free, early intervention social services for children with disabilities and their families.

A new project in the city of Bytom is offering assistants to support families in their day-to-day lives.

A new ESF-funded training scheme in Scotland is encouraging people to get back to work and start their own business.

A new ESF-funded project is targeting soon to be unemployed miners in the Czech Republic.

Euroopan sosiaalirahaston tukema hanke Suomessa auttaa romaninuoria saattamaan loppuun keskiasteen koulutuksen.

The ESF-funded project ‘Jobperspektive’ supports unemployed people in acquiring new qualifications and finding a job.

The unemployment rate fell to under 9 % in Slovakia, its best figure since 2008.

An ESF-funded programme trains and supports young people to help them to find a job.

New incentives for immigrants to get employed or start their own business thanks to ESF funds.

The European Commission has published an evaluation report of investments under the European Social Fund (ESF) during the 2007-2013 period, with specific reports for each Member State.

Early school-leavers have a second chance to sit their secondary exams thanks to ESF funds.

An ESF-funded programme provides a boost to people struggling with low skills, poverty and unemployment in Britain.

A new educational programme in Slovenia has helped over 300 adults in less than two months.

Werkbedrijf Lelystad has been announced as the winner of the ESF-Award 2016 for its contribution to an inclusive society.

An ESF-project in Silesia provides a comprehensive scheme for getting out of unemployment.

An ESF-funded project in Latvia aims to improve professional skills in priority healthcare areas.

Following a recent seminar with Spanish representatives from each of the regional public employment and social services, the ESF implementing bodies and from the central administration, a report provides the main conclusions for a better coordination of the employment and social services in Spain.

An ESF-funded project in Estonia is bringing regional and local development experts together in a programme to promote entrepreneurship and employment.

A new ESF-funded project will help people with disabilities find their way into employment.

An ESF-funded programme in Sweden is helping to fast-track doctors and medically trained immigrants into the workforce.

A new ESF-funded project in the Czech Republic is allowing communities, employers and parents to set up “micro-crèche” day care facilities around the country.

A new ESF-funded project will help more than 4 000 job-seekers a year to find a job or start a training course.

An ESF-funded project matching education and job-skills with the unemployed will start in 17 municipalities throughout the country.

The ESF-funded ‘Apprentice Cum Laude’ competition awards the best trainees in the country.

ESF-funded project sets its sights on halving Botkyrka’s high youth unemployment by 2020.

The 2016 Conference on Counterfactual Methods for Policy Impact Evaluation (COMPIE II) called for a far wider use of counterfactual methods for ESF programme evaluations and for more interaction with, and more direct involvement of the research community.

An ESF-funded project makes volunteering possible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Health-sector students receive training to help start their own business thanks to ESF funds.

Joka kolmas Euroopan sosiaalirahaston tukemaan työnhakuhankkeeseen osallistunut nuori on työllistynyt alle kolmessa kuukaudessa.

A new ESF-funded programme will provide valuable on-the-job training for care-workers.

New ESF-funded project to help NEETs to find their way back to school or employment.

An ESF-funded programme brings together immigrant women to set up a business while improving their language skills.

A total of 500 seniors from Castilla La Mancha will receive ICT training under a new ESF-backed programme.

ESR ja paikalliset toimijat työskentelevät yhdessä auttaakseen syrjäytymisvaarassa olevia työttömiä Suomessa.

Youth welfare offices inspire 116 young people at risk of exclusion to go back to school or find a job.

A series of 11 new ESF co-funded projects to help jobseekers on the path to employment.

Free training programmes are being offered to unemployed Romanians thanks to ESF support.

The first ESF co-funded ‘Employment hub’ in Palma helps 28 youngsters to find a job.

Initiatives to support to the social economy in Poland and to increase transparency of EU spending in Lithuania are recognised as innovative good practices

On 4 October 2016, the European Commission adopted a Communication that highlights the main achievements of the Youth Guarantee and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) since their launch in 2013

Participants in this ESF-funded project are sharing their successful job-search techniques to help other jobseekers.

ESF funds have helped to reduce the number of young people without jobs in the Dutch province of Zeeland.

Thanks to ESF funds, more than 600 people have been employed to help restore Slovakia’s cultural heritage.

Thanks to ESF funds home support will be available in all municipalities of the country.

Additional social rehabilitation for children with disabilities and support for their families, thanks to ESF funds.

Coaching, training and even health counselling offered to open doors to employment.

ESF awards for stand-out projects and individuals in the UK

An ESF-funded project is helping schools to give extra support to students to improve basic skills.

ESF funding is helping to improve the tertiary education system Croatia.

A highly targeted ESF-funded project promotes equal opportunities for pupils and students in Litomyšl.

Roma adults and children are more integrated and able to express themselves thanks to ESF funds in Slovakia.

Leading sports personalities get behind an ESF-funded project to help young people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment in Northern Ireland.

Unemployed and semi-employed people pitch in to repair toys for children in need, thanks to an ESF-funded project.

Businesses, job centres and vocational schools cooperate in a new large-scale initiative to secure more qualified workers in the Sjælland region of Denmark.

An ESF-backed project to boost vocational education and entrepreneurship gets underway in Częstochowa, Poland.

Small firms and charities providing training courses receive extra support from the ESF to encourage more youth participation.

Identifying and motivating unemployed and ‘inactive’ youth in the Municipality of Gulyantsi is key to an ESF co-funded project.

ESF support for free professional training will reach thousands of Estonians across almost all vocations.

An ESF-backed programme is targeting unemployment and poverty in some of London’s poorest neighbourhoods.

An ESF-backed project has been set up to provide job-seekers with new pathways into the Danish labour market.

EU and regional funding is backing a Sustainable Urban Development Strategy to improve overall working, family and community life in Thessaly, Greece.

The Endeavour scheme offers around 500 scholarships, mainly in research in science and technology.

The South Aegean Region is setting up a community centre in Ermoupoli, the capital of the Greek island of Syros.

Adult learning is the focus of a new ESF-backed programme enlisting the strength of Latvia’s educational institutions.

An ESF-funded guide helps businesses to share their plans for integrating people with disabilities.

More than 5820 jobseekers are set to benefit from the latest push in Ireland to fill the emerging skills gap.

An ESF-funded programme is encouraging young job seekers to start a company of their own.

Euroopan sosiaalirahaston rahoittama hanke tarjoaa kotoutumista edistävää kielikoulutusta.

Local business will create an e-network to boost online commerce thanks to ESF funds.

Five ESF-funded career centres help 79 people to find a job.

The 14th European Week of Regions and Cities 2016 will take place in Brussels from 10 to 13 October. Under the headline 'Regions and cities for sustainable and inclusive growth', the programme addresses three main themes: Sustained and sustainable economic growth; Inclusive economic growth; Making ESI Funds simpler.

Austria carries out performance tests to better identify refugees’ competences.

ESF-funded project to make vocational education more attractive to Danish youngsters.

IT students to get first work experience thanks to ESF funds.

The evaluation report 'Pilot projects to carry out ESF related counterfactual impact evaluations' sheds light on the effectiveness of some European Social Fund (ESF) interventions.

Today, the ESF Technical Platform publishes its first Technical Dossier, a 28-page guide for participants in the Thematic Networks that have started up since autumn 2015.

Sweden and Finland have published their calls for transnational project proposals in the 2016 co-ordinated call. Each covers four themes.

ESF- funded project to support more than 35 000 young people as they build a future.

ESF funds to help employees stay healthy and fit throughout their careers.

European Social Funds encourage businesses to employ battered women.

New ESF-funded programme to reduce the number of school dropouts in Napoli.

Unemployed people create their own business thanks to ESF funds.

A new ESF-supported job centre opens in Liège.

ESF-funded rural project success in Western Trust areas of Derry, Strabane and Omagh in Northern Ireland.

Additional places to be created in municipal nurseries thanks to ESF support.

Students with disabilities can receive ESF-backed allowances to access higher education.

Thanks to ESF and national funding, citizens can once again visit the Archaeological Museum of Kythira which had been closed since an earthquake in 2006.

ESF funding to boost Danish SMEs’ digitalisation processes and e-commerce.

An ESF-funded project helps Bulgarian youngsters find a job.

An ESF-funded project to connect vocational and job centres to increase employment opportunities for refugees.

ESF funding will boost safety for workers in high-risk industries.

An ESF-funded project helps Rasines’ town hall to hire 14 new employees.

ESF funds help Estonian schools to encourage adults who left school early to continue their studies.

Roma children and their families will receive extra support to underline the importance of education in better integration and career prospects.

In Kärnten, ESF-funded projects help around 50 people with impairments and disabilities find a job in the food retail sector.

Between November and February, the nine transnational networks of ESF Managing Authorities and stakeholders held their first meetings. On average 10 Member States attended each meeting, with 23 Member States taking part overall. Though NGOs are keen to have a voice, the social partners have been slower to join in.

An ESF-funded project fights exclusion by providing training to jobless people.

The Ministry of Labour launches a new plan for promoting employment.

Finland has established a national network to co-ordinate participation in the EU-level thematic networks and assess applications for transnational projects. National Contact Point Sirpa Liljeström explains how it works.

The ESF Partner Search Database will soon be the new way for project promoters to find transnational partners. Database manager Brice Gatelet explains how it will work.

ESR-rahoitteisen valtakunnallisen koulutushankkeen avulla edistetään romaninuorten kouluttautumista ja integroitumista yhteiskuntaan.

An ESF-backed project has helped hundreds of young people in northern Holland to find new career pathways.

‘Capital Humano‘ is an ESF-supported programme designed to improve education and training across Portugal.

An ESF-funded project teaches students how to use the internet responsibly.

Loans to cover start-up costs for social enterprises to be covered by ESF funds.

The scale of the challenge of managing the migration/mass movement of migrants and refugees requires both cooperation and solidarity between the Member States. The challenge also led to the re-naming of a Directorate General in the European Commission – DG Migration and Home Affairs in 2014. This DG now leads on policy and funding developments on migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. In order to be efficient and effective, it cooperates with the European Structural and Investment Funds – including the European Social Fund – to facilitate the integration of migrants and refugees into the labour market.

Germany’s IdA programme applies the concept of transnational mobility to disadvantaged young people – with surprising results. Jyostna Patel interviewed Bettina Reuter of the German ministry responsible.

An ESF-funded project to help 220 people who need assistance to live independently.

More than 300 researchers from several Romanian universities have received valuable career support thanks to ESF funding.

ESF will support an on-the-job-training programme to fight unemployment.

An ESF-funded project tackles youth unemployment with training skills for the future job market.

The Hannover region helps female engineers re-enter the labour market.

ESF sets aside EUR 14.7 million to help both recent graduates and senior unemployed people to find a job.

The University of Malta has announced the nation’s first space mission.

The ESF funded ‘House of Creative Re-use’ provides an all-in-one solution to create employment, tackle poverty and raise environmental awareness.

‘Housing First’, a pioneering ESF-funded project that helps homeless people to integrate into society.

Three projects in Flemish universities in Leuven, Antwerp and Oostende have been awarded the title ESF Ambassadors in 2016.

Facing difficult times, the French construction sector has found a solution to help safeguard jobs and manage business transitions.

An ESF-backed fund has been set up to boost employment and fight poverty in Scotland’s Perthshire county.

Flanders is the first ESF Managing Authority to publish a call for proposals within the Common Framework, and it is unusual in two ways. Not only does it incorporate a unique preparatory period while still staying within the synchronised timetable, but it also uses Simplified Cost Options throughout.

Vocational training programmes in Latvia are giving young people skills and opportunities to advance their careers.

The German district of Hanover has pledged EUR 96 000 to bolster language courses for migrants, co-funded by the ESF.

More than 750 people affected by mental disorders have found a job in Spain thanks to ESF-funded rehabilitation centres.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation in the context of its ex-post evaluation of the European Social Fund (ESF) during the 2007-2013 programming period.

A new ESF-backed project is boosting employment prospects and social inclusion in Croatia.

More than 1100 companies supported and 5000 jobs created in Crete thanks to an ESF-funded programme.

A successful ESF-backed project in the Austrian Burgenland helps people get their informal work experience and skills recognised professionally to improve employment prospects in these challenging economic conditions

A new IT and e-card system has been developed by an ESF-funded project to boost job-search across the country.

A store in the Portuguese city of Santarém employs psychiatric patients, while tackling the stigma attached to mental illness.

Companies in Aragon are being offered financial incentives to stimulate youth employment in Spain.

ESF funding has been cleared for activities, including early childhood education and social work, aimed at improving the lives of Slovakia’s Roma population.

An ESF-backed programme in Estonia plans to help the long-term unemployed return to the labour market.

A new ESF-funded project has been launched in the Swedish municipality of Umeå to give migrants with little or no schooling a helping hand in entering the workforce.

An ESF-backed project helps unemployed people in Belgium to set up their own companies.

A new online platform has been launched to promote social enterprises in Romania.

The University of Education in the German city of Karlsruhe plans to launch a project to promote lifelong academic learning with support from the ESF and the Baden-Württemberg Science Ministry.

A series of training exercises have been organised to help civil servants on the island deliver better services.

Euroopan sosiaalirahaston tukema From Waste to Taste -hanke aikoo perustaa Helsinkiin kauppojen hävikkielintarvikkeita hyödyntävän ravintolan ja ruoan kierrätyskeskuksen.

Sjælland (Zealand) in Denmark is launching a project to improve the educational and employment opportunities for young people in the region.

The Commission has adopted the eleven remaining Operational Programmes (OP) for support from the ESF in Spain. All ESF OPs for the new period are now in place.

WebForce3, a new IT school opening in Luxembourg, will offer training opportunities for 90 new web developers.

ESF backs low-interest loans for novice entrepreneurs to help small businesses grow and create jobs in Lithuania.

Lower Silesia Voivodship is boosting the region’s ‘third sector’ with the help of ESF funding.

Today, the Commission adopted a Communication on the contribution of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) to the EU's growth strategy, the Investment Plan and the Commission's priorities over the next decade.

Investments in the period 2014-2020 will contribute to reducing unemployment, improving education and fostering social inclusion

More than EUR 3.2 billion, including ESF funds, invested in Estonia during the 2007-2013 programming period.

Roma in Spain are finding work thanks to ESF funding and support.

Recently concluded ESF-backed projects provided training and new opportunities for Czech jobseekers, graduates and workers.

The project 'Jongeren aan de Slag' (JONAS) has won the Dutch ESF award 2015 for its successes in helping unemployed young people connect with employers and find work.

Three new residential centres for children have been established thanks to ESF funding.

The ESF is supporting targeted activities to secure work for 600 jobseekers in Jutland.

An ESF co-funded project offers traineeships to unemployed workers willing to make a career change.

The ESF is funding classes at a vocational school in the German town of Fürstenfeldbruck to prepare 60 young refugees for apprenticeships.

Thanks to an ESF-backed project, Slovakian construction workers gained first-hand experience and training in local businesses.

An ESF co-funded project in Italy creates opportunity for wool-manufacturers to set up their own company.

ESF-backed prize rewards innovative Spanish start-ups created by young entrepreneurs.

ESF investments in the Spanish region of Rioja will focus on promoting entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment and combating social exclusion

ESR:n osarahoittaman hankkeen tavoitteena on saada työnantajat ja maahanmuuttajataustaiset työnhakijat kohtaamaan toisensa suomalaisten yritysten kansainvälistymisen edistämiseksi.

A new ESF-backed project has been launched to help people in Lisburn and Castlereagh to start their own business or find new jobs and training opportunities.

The main focus of investments in the Spanish Principality of Asturias is on reducing unemployment, especially amongst long term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups

More than 75 000 Polish vocational training students have benefited from extra support to get into the labour market thanks to an ESF-backed project.

The main focus of investments in the Spanish region of Castilla y León is on bringing people into jobs and raising the skills level of the workforce

Some 200 students in the final year of secondary education from the Belgian municipality of Maasmechelen took part in an ESF-backed interactive game introducing them to the local employment market.

The ESF has earmarked SEK 16 million (EUR 1.7 million) to fund the 'Prioett' (Priority One) project, which helps young people from the Swedish town of Landskrona into work.

ESF investment of more than EUR 25 million to boost vocational training in Estonia.

The ESF has set aside more than PLN 15 million (EUR 3.5 million) to mitigate the negative effects of Poland’s changing economy.

Partnership and social development are critical to the success of the CLDS – 3G programme in Portugal’s Ribeira de Pena region, which is tackling unemployment, poverty and an ageing population.

A primary school in the German city of Puchheim is helping migrant children make a smooth transition into school. The ESF will now fund a part-time teaching position to support these efforts.

Palma’s Council has hired 58 new employees over 45 thanks to the ESF-funded project 'Job Placement Income'. They will work as educators, administrators, painters, etc. for the local authorities and government.

The Praktik project has trained almost 200 youth professionals and volunteers from the Prešov Region in coaching, mentoring, experience-based learning and team work.

Investments to address refugee crisis and strengthen the public administration in Southern Italy

More than € 2.3 billion investment for growth and jobs

A new project in Slovenia aims to identify vocational student’s individual needs to improve their traineeship experience.

Hundreds attended a single launch of the EU-funded ‘Adult Guarantee’ in Italy’s Lazio region. This popularity is expected to be repeated as the programme is rolled out across the country.

‘Learning while working’, an ESF-funded project managed by the Red Cross and Gipsy Foundation, is giving young Spaniards who are unemployed, undereducated or working in the black economy a fresh start.

The ESF-financed project "Diritti a scuola" from Puglia, addressing young people and families from disadvantaged backgrounds, has been honoured in the category Inclusive growth

ALIAT, a Romanian NGO focused on addiction treatment and prevention, has opened “Café Therapy” – an alcohol-free and non-smoking coffee bar that employs people from disadvantage groups and sells products made in other social enterprises.

The council and municipalities of Uppsala County in Sweden are planning to join forces in a new ESF-backed project to speed up the training and licensing process for migrant healthcare professionals.

Cyprus gets funding for new programmes for the long-term unemployed.

The Austrian capital Vienna is planning to establish a part ESF-funded college for young refugees aged between 15 and 21 to ease their transition into the regular education and vocational training system.

An extraordinary meeting of managing authorities on 25 September discussed how to optimise the use of the ESF and the FEAD to support the integration of asylum seekers and refugees and exchange good practice and experience in this field

Since the beginning of September, the partly ESF-funded job info point (PIE) in the French commune of Saint-Denis-lès-Bourg has resumed its support service for jobseekers and those in professional training.

Study reveals that counselling and support can prevent young people from dropping out of their apprenticeships – proof that the ESF-backed project ‘Bleib dran’ (Keep going) in the German city of Bremen is on the right track.

Uusi ESR:n rahoittama Polku X -hanke on alkamassa Tampereella. Hankkeella pyritään auttamaan syrjäytymisvaarassa olevia nuoria saamaan jalansijaa työmarkkinoilla tai palaamaan koulutukseen.

The Italian Region of Abruzzo and the National Laboratories of Gran Sasso have successfully collaborated to stimulate knowledge transfer and interest in the sciences, according to recently presented results of two ESF-backed projects.

Estonia has earmarked ESF funds to the tune of EUR 24.4 million to improve the employability of young jobseekers, as well as the long-term unemployed.

Some 29 jobseekers from 15 countries have just received their European Language Certificates attesting to their abilities in French and German in the framework of a part ESF-funded project in the German-speaking Community of Belgium.

The Czech Republic is boosting cooperation – and encouraging joint services – between local communities.

Programme will provide support to over 2,3 million persons, with particular attention to disadvantaged groups and young people

Greece is deploying ESF financial support to capitalise on the business potential of its highly-qualified young people.

An innovative drop-in centre in Denmark goes one step further … it’s a growing social business in its own right.

As part of a new ESF-backed federal funding programme to reduce long-term unemployment in Germany, the job centre of the Erzgebirgekreis – a district in the Free State of Saxony – will receive EUR 10.2 million.

Report calls for strengthening cooperation in education and training up to 2020 and especially to promote social inclusion.

The Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA) in Bulgaria is carrying out two ESF-funded projects to improve administrative quality management and its employees’ professional qualifications.

The ESF-funded project ‘Creation and Development of a Volunteering Community’ has just come to a successful close, having helped more than 500 unemployed young people in Lithuania take their first steps towards a career.

The Canary Islands Employment Service (SCE) will invest EUR 2.2 million in projects to help immigrants, people suffering from social exclusion, and those with disabilities to find work.

As electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular in Finland, a project co-financed by the ESF is preparing mechanics to work in this promising sector of the automotive industry.

An ESF-funded project in Croatia has launched a volunteering campaign to lend a helping hand to the elderly in the town of Buzet.

Investments in the period 2014-2020 will contribute to reducing unemployment, improving education and fostering social inclusion

The labour office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship in Poland has launched a call for project proposals to fight youth unemployment.

The Hunedoara County School Inspectorate and the Diocese of Deva in Romania have joined forces in the ESF project ‘Give, help, respect’ to tackle early school leaving.

The Italian region of Liguria Region will invest ESF funds to the tune of EUR 14 million in vocational training courses for young jobseekers over 24 years old.

Investments will contribute to reducing unemployment, improving education and fostering social inclusion

The programme is focused on strengthening the entrepreneurship in local areas of development as well as enhancing the employment rate in SME

The programme aims to boost economic growth and enhance social investment in line with the Europe 2020 targets for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth

1.1 billion euros to support social inclusion and social economy

One year after launch, more than 100 young school dropouts have accepted the support of the ESF-funded platform PSAD in the French agglomeration communities of Lens-Liévin and Hénin-Carvin.

Roma women in Extremadura, Spain, have successfully completed a training course to boost their employability as part of the ESF-funded project ‘Acceder’.

Inmates in seven Slovak prisons can now train as cooks in the framework of an ESF-backed project to improve their employment prospects after being released.

Investments of early 1 billion euros to increase the efficiency of public administration in Hungary

Investments will contribute to promoting Italy's ability to achieve the key EU and national development priorities

The second edition of the ESF-funded project ‘Polis’ helped 50 mentally disabled and socio-economically disadvantaged people improve their chances on the employment market. Half of the participants have now found a job – 17 of them with a permanent contract.

An ESF-funded project has challenged students in Slovakia to take part in the Digital Olympics, an online educational challenge.

Two days after an agreement paving the way for a new support programme for Greece, the European Commission revealed plans to help Greece maximise its use of EU funds. As mandated by the Euro Summit on 12/13 July, this will help mobilise more than €35 billion up to 2020 to support the Greek economy, provided that the conditions agreed upon by the Euro Summit will be met.

Investments aim at creating growth and jobs by boosting innovation and competitiveness, and improving the regional system of research and development

Newly adopted programme addresses urban sustainability, digital services and combating social exclusion

Operational programme adopted by the Commission

The European Social Fund and the UK National Lottery have pledged GBP 14 million (EUR 19.7 million) to tackle poverty and unemployment in the city of Leicester and the surrounding county.

An ESF-backed project which gave over 750 social workers and caregivers the opportunity to boost their professional skills has now come to a successful close in the Czech town of Otrokovice.

Starting with Sweden and France, a new regulation reduces administrative burden for ESF and YEI projects, allows quicker reimbursement and makes programmes simpler, safer, quicker and more oriented towards outputs and results

ESF funding in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano supports employment for women and disadvantaged groups to promote social inclusion and growth

Between 2009 and 2014, the ESF helped over 145 000 unemployed young people in the Netherlands improve their chances on the employment market, according to a study by the Dutch statistical office.

In a drive to provide more support for people with mental disabilities and children in care, Latvia has announced a deinstitutionalisation and social service reform.

ESF funds have allowed more than 200 students from two schools in the Polish town of Ostróda to dabble in robot design and programming over two years.

Croatia is launching a new ESF-funded drive to develop higher education standards for polytechnic courses in collaboration with employers.

Some 560 industrial workers are set to benefit from retraining opportunities offered by an ESF-funded project in three industrial regions in Romania.

The Danish Growth Forum for the Capital region ‘Vækstforum Hovedstaden’ and the ESF have earmarked DKK 20 million (EUR 2.7 million) for a three-year project to counter the impending skilled labour shortage in the maritime industry.

Member States continue to make progress in Roma integration, but further efforts are necessary. This is the conclusion of an annual Commission report.

The successful ESF-backed INOV contacto programme has helped some 5000 unemployed young people from Portugal obtain a traineeship abroad to launch their international career.

An ESF-funded project in the German-speaking Community of Belgium is promoting the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market.

The Federation of Tradesmen (Fédération des Artisans, FdA) in Luxembourg will set up competence centres with support from the ESF to provide training and counter the continuing shortage of skilled labour.

An ESF-funded project to help jobseekers with disabilities and reduced work capacity in Hajdú-Bihar County (eastern Hungary) is now coming to a close.

A partly ESF-funded youth business project in Slovenia has attracted over 600 young people in the past two years. More than half of them have so far been successful in finding a job or creating their own business.

Estonia has earmarked EUR 4.9 million, partly funded by the ESF, for projects to set up nearly 1000 new childcare places and services for children up to the age of seven.

Specific programme for capital city designed to adequately address the urban challenges faced by Prague

A new ESF-funded programme with a clear focus on not only employment, but employment in the context of environment and climate protection has now been launched in Germany.

The Welsh government has renewed its commitment to the successful Jobs Growth Wales scheme, which will receive financial support out of ESF and government funds for another three years.

Some 1600 unskilled jobseekers have already obtained professional qualifications since the ESF-funded project ‘Improving competencies of unskilled people’ started in August 2014.

The British overseas territory of Gibraltar will target ESF investments at young jobseekers, the long-term unemployed and those currently outside the system

An ESF-funded school in Patras, Greece, helps adult learners to catch up on missed school qualifications.

Today the European Commission will make almost 1 billion euro available for the young unemployed

The province of Lesser Poland has set aside PLN 100 million (EUR 24.6 million), co-financed by the ESF, to support young jobseekers.

The partly ESF-funded youth justice organisation Le Chéile in Ireland is hoping to extend its services to reach more young offenders with its newly-launched strategy for 2015 to 2017 ‘Inspiring Change, Transforming Lives’.

ESF and ERDF investments to support national efforts to strengthen the education system as contribution to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth

Creating new jobs leads to greater efficiency, flexibility and satisfaction among employees, plus it reduces downtime. These are the results of five ESF-funded pilot projects conducted in the Netherlands.

A new ESF-funded project is helping mothers with an immigrant background to launch their professional career in Germany.

A local community initiative has now presented a new ESF-supported project, which aims to boost youth employment in the city of Zagreb, Croatia.

ESF investments in the Czech Republic to support employment, fight poverty and improve public administration

The music school ‘We are music’ based in Harwich (UK) has now launched a new ESF-backed project to help unemployed young people gain a foothold in the employment market.

The Bulgarian government has renewed its commitment to improving the living conditions of children and has set aside ESF funds and reinforced measures to get children out of orphanages and other institutions.

The Czech NGO ‘Vzájemné soužití’ is organising trade qualification and retraining courses for the long-term unemployed in the east of the Czech Republic. The partly ESF-funded project mainly targets Roma.

Some 715 disadvantaged young jobseekers from France’s Loire region will benefit from special support in the framework of the ESF-funded Youth Guarantee over the next 12 months.

Nearly 300 students participated in the ESF-backed Swedish project ‘Plug In Västerbotten’, which aimed to reduce the number of dropouts from secondary school.

ESR:n osittain rahoittamaa Bestis-hanketta on laajennettu. Hanke jatkuu 2016 loppuun saakka, ja sillä pyritään tukemaan nuorten ja heikossa työmarkkina-asemassa olevien työllistymistä.

The ESF-funded project ‘Gradua2’ offers young people over 18 from Valladolid (Spain) a new opportunity to graduate from high school.

In an ESF-funded drive to increase the competitiveness of local SMEs, employees of universities and businesses in the Polish region of Małopolska are turning back the clock and becoming trainees.

A new ESF-backed project aims to promote the social inclusion of Roma in the Romanian commune of Vad in Cluj County with the help of the ancient craft of wicker making.

The economic situation in the EU started gradually improving nearly two years ago, and most Member States have recently registered positive GDP growth. Employment has started picking up, with improvements now materialising in most sectors.

The Belgian French Community Commission (CoCof) has pledged €360 million to support 93 mainly vocational training projects in Brussels. The ESF will cover €138 million of that amount.

Thanks to ESF funding, the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate will offer twice as many German language and orientation classes for refugees than in 2014, bringing the total up to 80.

The ESF-funded project Proeisol helped 250 jobseekers find employment in Badajoz, Spain, with 64% of project participants entering the healthcare sector.

An ESF-funded project in the framework of the Youth Guarantee scheme is aiming to boost employment in Middle Norrland, North Middle Sweden and South Sweden.

The project ‘Time for professionals – vocational education in Wielkopolska’ has been awarded the title ‘Best human capital investment 2014’ in the latest edition of the national Polish competition ‘Best ESF practices’.

An ESF-funded training for caretakers organised by the Regional Association of Vocational Training (AREP) of Fourmies in the North of France opens up new job prospects to its 14 alumni.

A new social development centre has just opened its doors in the village of Xewkija on Gozo Island, Malta.

The ESF-funded project ‘Green District’ has now presented its results in creating a network for exchanging good practices and training in the construction sector in the Italian Province of Prato.

The Slovenian Ministry of Public Administration has launched a new ESF-backed project to modernise public services, increase their efficiency and cut operating costs.

Greece is offering farmers the latest know-how from agricultural innovation.

The social integration project ‘La Ferme’ in the Belgian municipality of Comines-Warneton has been awarded ESF-funds to continue its work.

Over the past 18 months, the partly ESF-funded project Second Success has helped 25 residents of Torfaen County Borough in Wales re-enter the employment market.

A training course in industrial painting, co-financed by the ESF in Belgium, has proved a great success with 70% of its participants returning to gainful employment.

Some 221 people from all over Bulgaria have formalised their professional skills acquired outside of formal education and training at the Vocational School of Fashion Design in Veliko Tarnovo.

The Musical Talent Centre in the small Hungarian village of Felsőörs offers 60 disadvantaged young Roma per year the chance to develop their musical talent.

Investment programme will increase the human capital and improve the social environment in Hungary

ESF investments will promote employment and social inclusion, improve the education system and enhance the efficiency of the public administration

A new partly ESF-funded project has been launched in Malta to provide nurses at St. Vincent de Paul home for the elderly with up-to-date training.

A recently initiated ESF project in Romania is tackling employment and environmental issues in one go.

A total of 2706 teachers, psychologists and tutors at 200 Slovakian primary school have so far completed training programmes intended to foster the inclusion of marginalised Roma communities. A further 1500 will follow suit before the end of the ESF-funded project in October 2015.

Investments will help Cyprus address challenges like high unemployment, in particular among youth, and social exclusion

New programme represents an important source of investment in employment, education, the fight against poverty and support for social services

Investments will focus on getting people back into jobs and on creating opportunities for young people and disadvantaged groups

Investments will address the persistent shortcomings in Romania's public administration and improve the functioning of the judiciary through support to structural reforms

By helping the country to develop its administrative and institutional capacity, the operational programme will contribute to Italy’s overall objective of achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

A new ESF-funded project brings together the promotion of youth employment and traditional soap-making in Coimbra, Portugal.

Investments will address challenges related to the efficiency of the administrations in providing quality, fast and affordable services for all groups of society

ESF investments will add significant value to the national education and social inclusion policies, addressing Bulgaria's challenges in education and training, including the provision of inclusive education

Thanks to the ESF-funded project ‘First business’, 38 small enterprises have set up shop in the city of Przemyśl and its environs in south-eastern Poland.

The part ESF-funded training plan ISLA for jobseekers in the Spanish province of Cáceres proves to be a success as 223 of its alumni find new employment.

Mazowieckie will use ESF funding to invest in sustainable and quality jobs for labour market mobility, social inclusion and the fight against poverty, as well as education and training to improve competences and skills in the work place.

A new partly ESF-funded project has been established in the Croatian city of Pula to build the capacities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and promote social inclusion.

ESF funds support jobs, inclusion and anti-poverty measures to promote local economies and urban regeneration in Hungary.

Hungary targets higher employment with ESF funding, supporting low-skilled and young workers and a greater role for social enterprises.

The German region is investing in gender equality, job-related skills and social services to support a knowledge-based economy and an ageing population.

ESF investments target access to jobs and better education to make the region more competitive and increase living standards.

ESF spending in Małopolska focuses on employment, social inclusion, education and skills to support Poland’s goals for growth.

The ESF will focus on enhancing the region’s competitiveness by adapting and nurturing local skills and competences to promote inclusion and cohesion and boost the economy.

ESF investment targets social inclusion, job skills and education, supporting the region’s drive to be more competitive.

Job-related skills, equal opportunities and better educational outcomes are targeted, alongside measures for increasing social inclusion.

ESF funding will prioritise the promotion of sustainable and quality jobs in a mobile labour market, combating poverty and discrimination through social inclusion, and investing in education and training.

The Warminsko-Mazurskie region aims to boost growth and jobs through a focus on promoting employment opportunities and skills.

By increasing the rate of employment, labour mobility and entrepreneurship, ESF funding aims to make Podlaskiego’s economy more competitive and the region more socially inclusive.

Instilling self-confidence in young people is at the heart of the ESF-funded project ‘Trust in Yourself’, run by the Lithuanian employment agency since 2013.

A one-stop administrative service centre has now opened its doors in Latvia's capital Riga. It is the first of several centres to be created in the country as part of the ESF drive for better public services.

The comprehensive programme aims to further develop the Hungarian region and help boost its competitiveness while, at the same time, reducing socio-economic inequality and unemployment.

The region around the Dutch cities of Lochem and Zutphen will receive ESF funding to the tune of EUR 481 250 to help people who have been unemployed for more than six months back into paid work.

The European Institute of Public Administration - EIPA - with the institutional and financial support of 12 European public partners – invites applications to the fifth European Public Sector Award – EPSA 2015.

The Slovenian government has announced a new part ESF-funded project to help young graduates in Slovenia make the transition from university to employment.

With ESF support the business development centre Væksthus Syddanmark will launch a new EUR 4 million initiative to further growth and job creation in the south of Denmark.

The European Commission proposes to make 1 billion euro from the Youth Employment Initiative available as early as this year. This change will increase by up to 30 times the pre-financing Member States receive to boost youth employment - reaching up to 650 000 young people and helping them get into work, faster.

Cyprus is improving the capacity of its public administration with the help of ESF funding.

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has launched a new round of part ESF-funded projects to spark university dropouts' interest in apprenticeships and vocational training.

Microcredits will continue in the French department of Haute-Vienne after the association Aleas renewed its agreement with its partners.

Thanks to ESF funding, the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund is now offering free career counselling to anybody interested.

The Romanian government has adopted a series of measures to foster the social inclusion of Roma children.

Greece offers financial support to new businesses that take on jobseekers.

Talouskriisin aiheuttamat seuraukset ja opetukset työpaikoilla ja elintasossa ovat aiheena komission 15. tammikuuta julkaisemassa uusimmassa Euroopan sosiaalista ja työllisyyskehitystä käsittelevässä katsauksessa (Employment and Social Developments in Europe).

The German state of Brandenburg has launched a new programme to help fight illiteracy in adults.

Teachers' own attitudes towards shared reading largely determine their practices in the classroom, a part ESF-funded study finds.

The part ESF-funded Business Support Programme for Women (PAEM) has offered entrepreneurial guidance to more than 2150 women in the Spanish city of Ciudad Real since its inception in 2000.

ESF funds have enabled 30 young people from the Midi-Pyrénées region to gain two months of work experience in the Polish city of Zielona Góra.

The ESF-funded Bad Boys’ Bakery in Brixton Prison (London) may soon double its inmate workforce, the BBC reports.

The Piedmont region offers over 300 work placements for young people in the framework of the ESF-funded Youth Guarantee.

The overseas region of Guiana will target ESF investments at young jobseekers and school dropouts, the long-term unemployed and people facing exclusion.

Mayotte will use ESF funding to boost skills among the unqualified, the poorly-qualified and young people with the aim of boosting employment and growth.

Young people and the low-skilled will be the main beneficiaries of ESF investments in Martinique.

Lifelong learning, training, qualifications and young jobseekers are at the forefront of Lorraine’s ESF investment plans aimed at helping the region reach its Europe 2020 targets.

A sustainable and mobile job market, promoting social inclusion, and investing in education and training are key among the region’s main ESF priorities.

Education and young jobseekers are at the heart of Sardinia’s ESF investment plans which target better and more relevant skills among its workforce.

ESF investment in Sicily is targeting education, skills and social inclusion with the aim of achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

Abruzzo is focusing ESF investment on employment, with education and social inclusion initiatives supporting growth that benefits more of the region’s population.

The ESF aims to help jobseekers in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe and St Martin improve their chances of finding work, and to raise standards in the public employment service.

The French oversees territory of Guadeloupe aims to boost employability among jobseekers and youth through higher qualifications and training in work-related skills.

The ESF will invest in education and training in the French overseas territory of Guyana to ensure that workforce competences and skills are adapted to the labour market and public and socio-economic requirements.

Jobseekers and people excluded from the labour market are the principal beneficiaries of ESN funding in Marche, promoting growth and social inclusion.

ESF funding in Poland will help the regions to address the key structural challenges they face in employment, education, health and social inclusion.

Better and more accessible public services for the most disadvantaged groups is central to Italy’s ESF strategy for social inclusion.

Martinique’s ESF programme targets higher employment, supported by education and social inclusion measures that are guided by local development strategies.

Investments in Ile-de-France will address education, training, social inclusion of marginalized communities, support for most fragile regions and SMEs, as well as environmental issues

Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region is directing training, education and better social services at jobseekers and disadvantaged groups for social inclusion and growth.

The Isle of Réunion will focus ESF spending on its more disadvantaged groups with the aim of improving skills and employability.

The wide-ranging programme will prioritise investment in determining the country’s growth potential, encouraging economic development and prosperity, and identifying disparities across the two regions.

Madeira will use ESF funding to boost jobs, social inclusion and its education system in order to encourage growth and cohesion and meet EU targets.

Within the multi-fund operational programme for regional Azores, the ESF will focus on promoting access to education, lifelong learning, training and jobs.

ESF investment in the Algarve region is supporting job-creation, training, education and social inclusion to strengthen the region’s economy.

The ESF’s main focus during the programme will be boosting the regional economy, sustainable development and internal cohesion through innovative measures promoting education, training and better-quality, socially-relevant employment.

Portugal’s Norte region is investing ESF funding in local and regional projects for education, training and employment to boost sustainable, inclusive growth.

Alentejo will invest ESF funding to improve education, boost employment among those facing obstacles, and support social inclusion.

The operational programme for North Rhine-Westphalia will tackle the employment, social and demographic challenges facing the region.

The Poitou-Charentes region is promoting entrepreneurship and training to boost employment, particularly among women and poorly-qualified workers.

The Corsica region must help jobseekers, both young and old, to become better qualified and equipped to fill the growing number of vacancies being created by those reaching retirement age.

The three national programmes adopted, reinforced by 13 tailored strategic regional programmes – based on proposals from the regions themselves – will strengthen Greece’s efforts to exit the economic crisis.

Picardy is targeting young people in its ESF operational programme, as well as general skills among the wider workforce.

ESF funding in the Autonoma di Trento region supports higher employment for young people, women and disadvantaged groups to promote social inclusion and growth.

ESF spending in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is targeted primarily at its young people, whether qualified, unqualified or facing difficult circumstances.

School students, young jobseekers, the poorly-qualified and older workers are targeted by the Loire region’s ESF strategy to meet employment needs.

Rhineland-Palatinate will focus on job creation, social inclusion, education and lifelong learning to boost economic growth and help the region remain competitive in the face of economic and demographic challenges ahead.

Suomeen kuuluva autonominen Ahvenanmaan alue investoi Euroopan sosiaalirahaston varoja koulutukseen, työtaitoihin ja sosiaaliseen osallisuuteen tasa-arvon, taloudellisen monimuotoisuuden ja nuorten työllisyyden tukemiseksi.

The ESF programme in Italy’s Basilicata region promotes sustainable employment and growth, with a focus on young people, women and disadvantaged groups.

Lombardy’s ESF programme will provide a broad range of support to improving employment in the region, with a focus on persuading school students to stay on and get qualified.

Valle d’Aosta is using ESF funding to target education, social inclusion and employment as drivers for future growth.

ESF spending in Scotland will take innovative approaches to boosting qualifications and employment, and reducing poverty.

In the French city of Lyon, an ESF-funded project promotes the integration of Roma with great success.

ESF investments in Brussels address the important socio-economic challenges of the region and support in particular young people and disadvantaged persons

ESF investment will give a boost to skills and qualifications while raising the ability of public authorities to support growth and employment.

Poorly-qualified jobseekers, especially the young, are the target of Haute Normandie’s investment in qualifications and lifelong learning for inclusive, smart growth.

ESF investment will contribute significantly to making the Greek public administration one of the key pillars for the recovery of the country through the enhancement of its effectiveness and efficiency

Limousin will use ESF spending to implement innovative approaches to boosting skills, in particular among the least qualified jobseekers in the region.

The Alsace region in France will use ESF funding to boost education, skills and qualifications; as well as supporting new enterprises and the social economy.

Investment and growth are driving ESF funding in Piemonte, where the focus is on improving training, promoting social inclusion and finding a better work-life balance.

Thanks to an ESF-backed project, some 3000 unemployed people in Lithuania can benefit from free training to qualify for professions currently in demand.

Brandenburg will use ESF funding to support sustainable employment and mobility, promote social inclusion and invest in education and training to boost skills and lifelong learning.

Brittany will use ESF spending to focus on education and training in order to boost skills levels across the region.

Young people and marginalised groups are the focus of Lazio’s targets for employment, access to childcare and other services, and education.

The Polish ESF OP addresses key structural challenges in the fields of employment, social inclusion, health, education and public administration

ESF investments in Greece will address the impact of the prolonged recession, particularly in employment, as well as education, skills and life-long learning

Investment and growth are driving ESF funding in Umbria, where the focus is on improving training, promoting social inclusion and finding a better work-life balance.

By reinforcing labour market policy, the ESF in Tuscany will support job creation by giving workers the education and skills they need.

ESR:n Suomeen tekemät investoinnit kohdistuvat työllisyyteen, koulutukseen ja sosiaaliseen osallisuuteen. Tavoitteena on parantaa työvoiman osaamistasoa ja auttaa yhä useampia työllistymään.

The ESF invests in education, training and vocational training and aims to reduce overall unemployment rates, and particularly youth unemployment rates

Operational programme to boost employment, education, social inclusion and public administration reform

EUR 2.2 billion for more and better jobs, with an emphasis on young jobseekers

Over EUR 3 billion are invested in education as a key element for growth and jobs

Education, training and qualifications are the focus of the ESF operational programme for human capital in Portugal, driving growth and social inclusion.

More and better skills is the main objective of Northern Ireland’s ESF programme which targets young people and the disadvantaged in particular.

Nord-Pas de Calais’ operational programme is promoting higher qualifications, job-related skills and apprenticeships to tackle unemployment and social exclusion.

ESF spending in Liguria will focus on employability, equal opportunities and helping young people make the transition from education into high-quality jobs.

Veneto will invest ESF funding in education and training to help people find and keep work, while increasing social inclusion.

Emilia-Romagna will invest ESF funding in measures to boost the skills and employability of its more disadvantaged citizens.

Programme invests €2.8 billion to tackle youth unemployment in Spain

ESF spending focuses on improved education and training, and better chances for young people and those facing multiple obstacles to finding work.

A project for young people facing difficulties entering the labour market wins the yearly ESF award in the Netherlands.

ESF funding for education, employment, healthcare and social services is part of a comprehensive investment in Estonia for growth and social inclusion.

Lower Normandy in France is targeting ESF investment on raising the skill levels of its most poorly-qualified citizens.

Thanks to an ESF-funded project, people with disabilities are opening a café in the Czech region of Carlsbad.

Thanks to an ESF project in Hungary, a total of 120 homeless people were helped to restart their lives.

ESF spending plans in the Midi-Pyrénées and Garonne region will target education, training and qualifications as pathways into work.

Two ESF programmes aim to add value to wider investment objectives so that together they can support sustainable jobs and growth in Wales

Germany’s capital city will focus ESF spending on education and training, as well as social inclusion with women, migrants and young people as the main targets.

Young people and those in danger of exclusion and poverty are at the centre of Portugal’s ESF programme for social inclusion.

The European Commission has adopted the Slovakian Operational Programme "Human Resources" for the implementation of the European Social Fund (ESF), the Youth Unemployment Initiative (YEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the period 2014-2020.

With a strong emphasis on social measures, ESF spending focuses on education and training for young people and those facing multiple obstacles to finding work.

The operational programme for ESF spending in Saxony-Anhalt has a strong focus on helping disadvantaged groups improve their job prospects.

Euroopan komissio on hyväksynyt Euroopan sosiaalirahaston (ESR) täytäntöönpanoa Ruotsissa kaudella 2014–2020 koskevan toimintaohjelman.

The operational programme targets education and training opportunities that are aligned with the region’s changing jobs and business environment.

Six young SCUBA divers were hired to work on the construction of a new coastal road on the French island of Réunion. Their training was financed by the ESF.

An ESF-funded project in Portugal helps unemployed people to start up their own business.

ESR:n rahoittamassa hankkeessa tuetaan sekä yrityksiä että työnhakijoita.

Bourgogne will focus ESF funding on improving the skills and qualifications of poorly-qualified or marginalised jobseekers, with high-quality apprenticeships a priority.

France’s Centre region will focus ESF spending on raising skills and qualifications and improving the employability of its young people.

The programme ensures investment in strengthened institutional capacity and effectiveness as well as an effective judicial system and increased law enforceability.

Auvergne is using ESF funding to boost employment by supporting new businesses and helping poorly-qualified jobseekers ¬improve their skills and qualifications.

On 28 November, the European Commission has adopted the Austrian Operational Programme for the implementation of the European Social Fund (ESF) in the period 2014-2020.

The ESF in Bulgaria is looking to generate more jobs and inclusiveness while reducing poverty, in order to reach its employment and social goals for 2020.

The Flemish ESF operational programme will complement national and regional measures aimed at boosting employment and social inclusion.

ESF investment in Franche-Comté and Jura focuses on improving skills and qualifications to support job creation in the local economy.

Aquitaine will use ESF funding to boost youth skills and employment, reduce university drop-out rates and spread the spirit of entrepreneurship wider.

In the German town of Ulm, young people from immigrant families can get free advice on trade or commercial apprenticeships, thanks to an ESF project.

ESF spending in Languedoc-Roussillon is targeting youth work skills, job-related skills and lifelong learning to increase employment.

ESF investment in the Rhône-Alpes seeks employment growth in the face of particular demographic and economic challenges.

Entrepreneurs that struggle to secure loans from the bank can get microloans through an ESF-funded project in the Belgian city of Antwerp.

France’s national-level Europ’Act programme will ensure better outcomes for the many regional programmes, including in overseas departments and territories.

Saxony is targeting ESF funding at its education system in order to boost opportunities for all and ensure a strong skills-base for the future.

Secondary school students in the Polish city of Siemianowice can get free extracurricular classes in an ESF-funded project.

Birmingham SMEs can get free maths and English training for their employees.

The ESF operational programme for Saarland in Germany will devote more than half of its investments to the area of social inclusion.

An ESF-funded web portal makes up-to-date national legislation available to Romanian citizens and businesses.

On 18 November 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Ireland, paving the way for more than €500 million (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

Latvia’s multi-fund operational programme targets ESF funding at a more competitive and fairer economy with higher employment

European Community of Practice on Gender Mainstreaming (GenderCoP, sukupuolikysymysten valtavirtaistamisen puolesta toimiva eurooppalainen käyttäjäyhteisö) on laatinut työkalun, jolla pyritään parantamaan rakennerahastoprosessien laatua ja tehokkuutta Euroopan unionissa ja jäsenmaissa. Työkalun avulla ESR:n edellyttämät vaatimukset voidaan kuvata selkeästi. Lisäksi työkalulla voidaan esittää esimerkkejä hyvistä käytännöistä, joilla sukupuolten välistä tasa-arvoa on edistetty kaikissa ESR:n toimien vaiheissa.

Bremen is investing ESF funding to mobilise a larger and better skilled workforce by reaching out to unemployed and disadvantaged groups.

Belgium’s KRC Genk football club offers its mental coaching professionals to unemployed people in an ESF-funded project.

Over 100 people found a job or a training course thanks to an ESF project in the Swedish towns of Avesta and Hedemora.

An ESF-funded project supports the transformation of social care for people with disabilities in Slovakia.

The Ocean Observatory in the Portuguese Island of Madeira provides ESF-funded scholarships.

Thanks to ESF funding, representatives of the NGO sector can get free management training in the Polish area of Ostrołęka.

Unemployed or part-time workers offered free coaching in an ESF-funded project in the UK.

In the Dutch region of Drechtsteden, young people are guided in their career choices by professional “matchmakers”.

Thanks to an ESF-funded training course, families in the Italian province of Pesaro can get free energy assessment of their homes.

On 30 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Spain, paving the way for more than €7.5 billion (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 30 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Croatia, paving the way for more than €1.5 billion (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 30 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Slovenia, paving the way for more than €700 million (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Luxembourg, paving the way for €20 million (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Malta, paving the way for more than €100 million (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

The ESF operational programme (OP) takes a particular focus on helping disadvantaged people get into work and combating social exclusion

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with the United Kingdom, paving the way for more than €4.9 billion (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Sweden, paving the way for €774 million (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Belgium, paving the way for more than €1 billion (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Italy, paving the way for more than €10 billion (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

The ESF operational programme for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has a clear focus on its young people and solutions to demographic challenges

Bavaria’s ESF programme is boosting its workforce by focusing on skills and opportunities for those from peripheral groups such as the young, old or excluded

In Austria, an ESF-funded initiative offers free literacy courses for adults and helps them finish compulsory education.

ESF funding enables people to obtain different professional qualifications in the Bulgarian town of Kyustendil.

An ESF-funded project seeks to create growth by offering courses to entrepreneurs in Denmark.

The European Commission has today adopted the German federal Operational Programme for the implementation of the ESF in the period 2014-2020.

On 17 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Austria, paving the way for €442 million (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.

In Cyprus, unemployed young people can benefit from an ESF-funded work placement scheme.

The city of Hamburg is deploying ESF funding to ensure it has the skilled, qualified and inclusive workforce the future demands

Motivating women to start their own business is the main objective of an ESF-funded project in the Czech Republic.

The European Commission organised a policy discussion with Member States on the modernisation of public administration.

Italian high school students can become true Europeans... in Ireland.

The European Commission has today adopted the French national Operational Programme for the implementation of the ESF in mainland France in the period 2014-2020.

An ESF-funded project provides free ICT training to healthcare professionals in Poland.

Euroopan komissio hyväksyi 7 lokakuuta 2014 Suomen kanssa kumppanuussopimuksen, jonka nojalla Suomi saa Euroopan sosiaalirahastolta (ESR) rahoitusta 500 miljoonan euron edestä (käyvät hinnat) seuraavan seitsemän vuoden aikana.

Baden-Württemberg in Germany designs its ESF operational programme to meet the employment and economic challenges the region is facing

With an emphasis on local solutions to local problems, the ESF operational programme (OP) in Thuringia addresses the region’s particular economic and demographic challenges

Thanks to ESF-funding, future Czech fishermen can go to Poland to practice their skills.

An ESF project will provide job training for 800 women in four different regions in Romania.

Euroopan sosiaalirahaston yhteisrahoittamassa hankkeessa järjestetään forssalaisille työttömille työpaikkoja maatiloilta.

In the French town of Logny-lès-Aubenton, the church is being restored as part of an ESF-funded labour insertion project.

A library for blind and visually impaired people recently opened its doors in Ljubljana.

ESR:n oppimisverkostojen tehokkuutta, vaikuttavuutta ja merkitystä arvioiva loppuraportti julkaistiin 3. heinäkuuta. Raportissa vahvistetaan, että vaikka verkostoissa onkin vielä parantamisen varaa, ne ovat osoittautuneet arvokkaiksi foorumeiksi, joissa vaihdetaan ajatuksia, taitoja ja innovatiivisia lähestymistapoja.

The Schleswig-Holstein region in Germany has launched its European Social Fund programme for the period 2014-2020, aimed at skills and inclusion and tailored to local circumstances

Lithuania launches a multi-fund operational programme (OP) that concentrates on key drivers for competitiveness

A pilot project in Germany seeks to prepare asylum seekers for the labour market.

The Commission has adopted the Dutch national Operational Programme for the implementation of the ESF in the period 2014-2020. This programme outlines the priorities and objectives to spend over 1 billion euros (of which over 500 million from the EU budget) contributing to strengthening economic growth and jobs in all Dutch regions.

In the Croatian city of Osijek, people with disabilities can use a new web portal to find a job.

Riga’s style and fashion school offers ESF-funded vocational training programmes to Latvian youth.

In the Spanish region of Aragón, young researchers and established research groups will benefit from nearly €5 million in the coming years.

A six-month job placement for unemployed youth, and funding for start-up companies: an ESF co-funded job creation scheme in Wales sets an example for others.

ESF funding in the Czech region of Ústecký will be used to help school students and people with disabilities to find a job.

ESF support for new youth employment programme launched in Greece

An ESF project in the Netherlands enables young people to find a job despite the economic crisis.

In Lithuania, students with disabilities will receive a scholarship thanks to the European Social Fund.