The European Parliament on Tuesday gave its final approval to the European Social Fund +, an important instrument with which the EU aims to help people cope with economic and social challenges over the next seven years.
The “European Social Fund+” (ESF+) with a total budget of 88 billion euros will play an important role in the implementation of the action plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights and in combating the socio-economic effects of the pandemic.
During the negotiations, Parliament secured additional funds for investments in youth employment and the fight against child poverty. These funds will benefit two groups of people who have been particularly hard hit by the corona pandemic.
Member States with a share of young people who were not in employment, education or training (NEET) between 2017 and 2019 above the EU average should spend at least 12.5% of their ESF+ funds on training or job search for these people. Other Member States should also provide funding for young people in this group, preferably through the implementation of the enhanced Youth Guarantee programs.
Member States that had a higher than the EU average percentage of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion between 2017 and 2019 should devote at least 5% of their ESF+ funds to direct support for childcare, education, health care and adequate housing for disadvantaged children invest. All Member States have an obligation to invest in combating child poverty.
At Parliament’s initiative, at least a quarter of the funds will be used for measures to promote equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups, including marginalized communities such as Roma and third-country nationals. The aim is to dismantle obstacles on the labor market, combat discrimination and reduce health disadvantages.
Among other funds, the current Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) has been integrated into the new ESF+. Under the new rules, all Member States must spend at least 3% of their funds on food and basic material aid to combat extreme poverty and thus social exclusion.