Invests in people to enhance employment and social inclusion.
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the European Union's main instrument for investing in people, aiming to support employment, social inclusion, education, and training policies across the EU. The program focuses on promoting a stronger social Europe by investing in human capital, enhancing employment opportunities, and reducing social and economic disparities among regions. The ESF+ has a total budget of €88 billion for the period 2021-2027, which is approximately 10% of the EU's total budget. The funding is allocated to various projects and initiatives that align with the program's objectives, including promoting employment, social inclusion, and education. However, specific information on typical project financing amounts is not readily available. To receive funding, projects must meet specific criteria, such as contributing to the development of EU employment, social, education, and training policies, and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. Recent projects and organizations that have been financed include initiatives to combat homelessness, support social innovation, and enhance labor market mobility. Eligible entities for funding include education and training institutions, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and public bodies.