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European Social Fund launch conference

On 6-7 February the European Commission hosted a seminar which launched the European Social Fund for the new programming period 2014-2020. The conference brought together European Commission representatives, EU funds managing authorities from across Europe, and EU networks, including the European Social Network (ESN). It explored the novelties surrounding the new rules governing the use of Structural and Investment Funds under the common provisions framework, and looked at how they can contribute towards a more effective and efficient European Social Fund.

"Investing in people's skills and improving their opportunities are essential to achieve sustainable and inclusive recovery. In the present context of multiple social and economic challenges, the Commission is working closely with Member States to ensure the most effective use of ESF money for the 2014-2020 period, seizing every opportunity provided by the new regulations." László Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Background to ESF 2014-2020

The ESF plays a fundamental role in the development of human capital through supporting projects which aim to enhance the education, employment, and social inclusion across Europe. It has a budget of 70 billion Euros, 20% of which has been put aside for promoting social inclusion and anti-poverty measures in Member States.

At a time when Member States are facing budget constraints, it is important to ensure that the ESF is used effectively and efficiently. A common set of rules known as the Common Provisions Framework set out the conditions that countries must meet if they wish to use Structural Funds in the 2014-2020 period:

  • Strengthening the link between ESF objectives and the targets set under the Europe 2020 agenda

  • Supporting wider structural reforms and investments in active labour market policy, social inclusion, education, and institutional capacity and public administration

  • Maximising the impact of EU funds on the ground by ensuring that they establish partnerships between public authorities at all levels, civil society, and social partners

  • Emphasising simpler and more result-oriented funding focused on achieving outcomes rather than on measuring the direct costs of a project

  • Ensuring specific attention to youth unemployment and to social inclusion of vulnerable groups

Transnational cooperation under the ESF

Collaborating and sharing experiences across borders is a useful way to access new ideas, innovative approaches and skills. During the new period, there will be renewed efforts from the European Commission and Member States alike to support transnational cooperation under the ESF. The Commission is supporting efforts to establish an EU-level platform to help with the setting-up of partnerships, exchange of experience, capacity-building, and networking between projects. However, there are already certain EU and national efforts which support this process:

Actions at EU LevelActions at national level

Network of Transnational Contact Points
To ensure the effective mechanisms and procedures for making transnational cooperation work are in place across Europe. 

Toolkit for transnational exchange
Support for development of a web-based application, designed to facilitate partner search and exchange of information.

Learning Networks
For ESF Managing Authorities, to focus on specific, thematic and governance issues. 

Ad-Hoc Group
Meets two to three times a year and focuses on the policy and strategy aspects of innovation and transnationality in the ESF programmes. Member States have made some strategic choices on how to integrate transnational cooperation into the operational programmes based on how they could add most value in their programmes, and whether transnational cooperation should be integrated as a dedicated priority, a cross cutting theme, or a combination of these options.

More information here on how this is set up across different countries.   

The European Social Network (ESN) calls on public authorities at all levels to ensure that they take a longer term strategic and visionary approach to the use of EU funds when investing in services, people and communities. The money available through the European Social Funds is a once in a life-time opportunity – let’s use it wisely. 

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