European Social Fund (ESF)
The ESF is the EU's main instrument for promoting employment and social inclusion in Europe.
The main tasks of the ESF are:
- Promoting better education
- Support through training and qualification
- Contribution to reducing disadvantages in the labour market
Germany is using ESF funds to address the challenges of a shortage of skilled workers and an ageing population. ESF investments are mainly aimed at widening labour force participation, raising skill levels and promoting active inclusion.
ESF Bavaria
Characteristic of the current funding period of the European Social Fund, which extends until 2020, is
- the close alignment with the European growth and employment strategy "Europe 2020",
- the thematic concentration of funds to achieve the Europe 2020 targets and the objectives in the National Reform Programme, and
- the consideration of the EU Council recommendations on employment.
Funding programmes:
- Goal A: Promote employment
- Goal B: Fight poverty
- Goal C: Invest in education
Description of the goals on the ESF Bavaria website [German content]