European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

Image: ESF, WelcomEurope.

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

ESF+ is a fund that is part of the Multi-Financial Framework 2021-2028. 

Budget

ESF+ has a total budget of EUR 100 billion (in current prices). 

Target goals

The target goals include:

• Contribute to a more social Europe and male the European Pillar of Social Rights a reality on the ground.
• Upward economic and social convergence across Europe.
• Investment in 3 main areas: (1) education training and lifelong learning, (2) effectiveness of labour markets and equal access to quality employment, (3) social inclusion, health and combatting poverty.

What’s new?

• Simplified rules and processes to ensure a better impact by merging 5 programmes: ESF, Youth Employment Initiative, Employment & Social Innovation EaSI, Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived FEAD and EU Health programme.
• Aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, EU policies in social, health and employment sector
• Increased alignment to the European Semester.
• Increased relevance of Social Innovation.
• Participation and capacity building of social partners and non-profits.