The thematic scope and objectives of the TEI are defined in a Joint Intervention Logic (JIL), which sets out the three thematic pillars with specific goals and indicators. The full scope of joint support under the TEI is included in a TEI mapping which contains all programs included by TEI members based on the thematic and regional scope of the initiative. At the end of December 2023, the TEI consists of 92 programs with a combined budget of EUR 3 billion.

• Pillar 1 aims at strengthening employment outcomes linked to trade and investment policies. It consists of 25 individual programs (182m EUR) including, for example, a project on Mainstreaming Employment in Trade and Investment Policies (METI, funded by EU and implemented by ILO) and a project to strengthen SMEs in the Textiles industry to enhance competitiveness and expand trade and access to markets (MENATEX, funded by Sweden jointly with Switzerland and implemented by ITC). The pillar is co-lead by EU and Germany.
• Pillar 2 aims at strengthening inclusive skills development and recognition systems in the digital and green transitions, especially for youth and women. It consists of 41 individual projects (281 m EUR) including, for example, a project on digitisation of SMEs and the development of digital skills in Tunisia (Digi4Jobs, funded by Germany and implemented by GIZ) and a project on technical skills for youth, migrants, and other disadvantaged actors working in the craft industry (Creative Tunisia 2.0, funded by Italy and implemented by UNIDO). The pillar is co-lead by France and Italy.
• Pillar 3 aims at enhancing inclusive entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, especially for youth and women. It consists of 60 individual projects (2.5 bn EUR) including, for example, financial guarantees under the EFSD+ to increase access to finance for disadvantaged SMEs (EFSD+ Financial Inclusion, funded by the EU and implemented by EBRD) and a fund for investments and loans to social enterprises which create jobs and contribute to a social and sustainable economy (Social Entrepreneurship Fund, jointly funded by EU and Germany and implemented by KfW and the European Venture Philanthropy Association). The pillar is co-lead by Spain and EU.

During the current reporting period, this approach has already been implemented by TEI members for the following initiatives:

1. Sweden and Spain introduced regional cooperation strategies as policy frameworks for their partnerships in the Southern Neighbourhood. The strategies are aligned to the TEI, taking a regional approach and emphasizing the importance of job creation.
2. The UfM Hub for Jobs, Trade, and Investment was set up by Germany (implemented by GIZ) to strengthen regional cooperation through the UfM and provide capacity building and technical assistance for the UfM Secretariat as well as for UfM Member States, including the private sector and civil society. Since 2023, Spain has been supporting the activities of the UfM Hub through the co-financing of two UfM Grant Schemes on Green Economy and on inclusive digital trade, respectively.
3. The EU package on Social Economy strengthens and promotes social economy as a vector for job creation and expansion of economic opportunities, leading to a more inclusive economy in the Southern Neighbourhood countries. The package includes a Social Enterprise Fund with funding by Germany through its development bank KfW.
4. The regional program “Enhancing e-commerce and digital trade in the Southern Neighbourhood” strengthens business opportunities through e-commerce and digital trade in the region and fosters decent job creation in cooperation with the public and the private sectors. It will be jointly funded by EU and Germany and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with ITC.
5. The EU action on Green and Circular Economy supports the green and circular economy in the Southern Neighbourhood. It is funded by the EU and implemented by Expertise France in cooperation with UNIDO.

In parallel, TEI members have been assessing possibilities for further joint programs, e.g. on Women Economic Empowerment.