European Social Fund (ESF+) (2021–2027)
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the European Union's main financial instrument for investing in people. It aims to promote employment, support education and training, and combat poverty and social exclusion. This framework program forms the basis for numerous specific funding initiatives implemented at national and regional levels in the Member States.
Who is funded?
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the central EU instrument for promoting employment, education, and social inclusion. Support is aimed at a wide range of applicants based in EU Member States who wish to implement projects to improve access to employment, education, and combat poverty. The focus is on realizing the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
What is funded?
The ESF+ supports a wide range of project types and thematic areas aimed at strengthening the labor market, improving education, and promoting social inclusion. Support includes measures for developing and testing innovative solutions, as well as strengthening the capacities of relevant actors. The eligibility of costs is clearly defined to ensure efficient use of funds.
Type and Scope of Funding
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) provides extensive financial support in the form of grants. The program is designed for the period 2021 to 2027 and has a significant overall budget to achieve its diverse objectives in the areas of employment, education, and social inclusion in the Member States. Co-financing rates vary depending on the specific objective and type of measure.
Conditions and Requirements
Participation in the ESF+ is subject to various conditions and requirements that align with EU legislation and the specific objectives of the Fund. These include legal provisions, partnership regulations, and specific budget allocations to ensure targeted and transparent use of funding. Compliance with fundamental rights and the promotion of equality are central principles.
Application Procedure
The application process for the ESF+ is multi-stage and primarily takes place through national and regional calls for proposals in EU Member States. The evaluation of applications and the allocation of funds are linked to the specific conditions of the respective calls for proposals. Indicators are used to monitor progress, and compliance with regulations is regularly checked.
Legal Basis
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) funding program is based on a specific European Union regulation that defines its objectives, financial allocation, and implementing provisions. This primary legal basis is supplemented by other EU regulations and principles that ensure administrative implementation and compliance with fundamental values. All official texts are publicly accessible.
Similar Programs
No similar programs found.
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Allocated Budget:
EUR 87,995,063,417 for the period 2021 to 2027
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Shared Management Subsidies
Region:
European Union (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czechia, Hungary, Cyprus)
Sectors:
Education and Vocational Training, Healthcare, Service Sector, Social Enterprises, Information and Communication Technology, Research and Development, Environmental and Climate Protection, Renewable Energy
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Capacity Building, Service Delivery, Experimental Development, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Process Optimization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Managed By:
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), European Commission
Additional Partners:
Social partners, civil society organizations, public employment services, social and health insurance providers, microfinance institutions, foundations, philanthropic actors