What is ESF?
The ESF is one of two Structural Funds used by the European Union (EU) as a means of reducing the differences in living standards between the people and regions of the EU. Established by the Treaty of Rome in 1956, it is the longest established Structural Fund. The other Structural Fund for the 2000-2016 period is the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which concentrates on promoting economic and social cohesion within the European Union through the reduction of imbalances between regions or social groups through infrastructural investments. Investments under the ERDF in Ireland for the 2007-2013 period will be delivered through Operational Programmes managed by the Southern and Eastern and Border, Midland and Western Regional Assemblies.
The ESF is the European Union's primary financial instrument for improving employment opportunities for people throughout the Union. The ESF channels money into helping Member States meet the goals they have agreed for educating and training people throughout Europe through the European Employment Strategy. Its mission is to help prevent and fight unemployment, to make Europe's workforce and companies better equipped to face new challenges and to prevent people losing touch with the labour market.
How does it work?
ESF Programmes are planned by Member States, together with the European Commission, and then implemented through a wide range of provider organisations both in the public and the private sectors. These include national, regional and local authorities, educational and training organisations, voluntary organisations and the Social Partners (i.e. trade unions and works councils, industry and professional organisations) and individual companies.
Within Ireland, for the period 2007-3013, European Social Fund investments will be delivered solely through the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme (HCI OP). Within this programme, the ESF provides funding for certain Social Inclusion and Active Labour Market Measures which support its overall objectives.
HCI OP 2007-2013
The link below provides more general information on the ESF and answers to the following questions...
- What is ESF?
- Where can I find out more about the ESF and other Structural Funds?
- Where can I find ESF-related documents?
- Where does the ESF money go?
- Where can I find answers to basic ESF questions?
- Where can I find out more about the ESF and other Structural Funds?
- What does the ESF do for my country?
The ESF Leaflets give you funding, objectives and achievements for each Member State.
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/esf/index_en.htm