a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

European Social Fund

The European Social Fund (ESF) is the EU's most important tool for implementing social and labour market policies, domains that are otherwise largely the responsibility of the Member States.

ESF-related activities during the new funding period will have a major impact on the organisations and individuals whom the Fund is designed to benefit.

 

What was the Greens' position?

The Greens argue that the top priority of the ESF must be to combat youth unemployment.

We believe that the Fund's scope must extend beyond employment-related issues to projects tackling poverty and exclusion, for example.

We want it to cover all citizens, not just the working population and job-seekers.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?

The adopted report will make €6 billion available to fund the implementation of European youth guarantee schemes.

We succeeded in broadening the scope of the ESF to include children, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

The Fund will also have a simplified funding application procedure, making it easier for small NGOs to obtain support.

25% of the EU's Structural Funds will be reserved for use under the ESF.

This money will be used to invest in education and training, as opposed to infrastructure.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?
Unfortunately the ESF still remains focussed on a relatively small number of issues, which leaves the Member State little leeway when allocating the funds made available under it.
Reference(s)
Videos
Committee:EMPL

Procedure:Ordinary legislative procedure

Reference(s):2011/0268(COD)

Lead MEP:Elisabeth Morin-Chartier (EPP)

Green MEP responsible:Elisabeth Schroedter

Voted:20/08/2012

Staff contact:Philine Scholze (Email)
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Outcome of the vote
Below you find the results of the final vote in plenary. How did the political groups vote? What about national delegations? And what was the position of your MEP?