This would allow for more integrated and targeted support. For instance, people affected by poverty would benefit from a better mix of material assistance and comprehensive social support.

Because of these more flexible and simpler rules, it should be easier for people and organisations to benefit from the fund's funding.

Young people and children key priority

ESF+ will invest in three main areas: education, training and lifelong learning; effectiveness of labour markets and equal access to quality employment; social inclusion and combatting poverty.

MEPs want to ensure that ESF+ continues to support youth employment with a particular focus on inactive young people and the long-term unemployed, as well as address children in poverty, promoting children’s equal opportunities and facilitating access to free education.

Support to health and social innovation

The ESF+ funds would also support initiatives enabling people to find better employment or work in a different region or country of the EU, including supporting new skills for new types of jobs required by the green and digital transitions.







Next steps

Parliament will now have to negotiate the regulation with the Council as part of the agreement on the EU's next long-term budget for 2021-2027.