### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’13 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise . _________________ 13 com700 of 19 october 2010 . 14 com500 final of 29 june 2011 . ### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’13 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at local , regional , national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union provides a suitable platform for member states for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as for expertise - sharing . _________________ 13 com700 of 19 october 2010 . 14 com500 final of 29 june 2011 .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission shall agree with the member state concerned on the priority areas for support , the particular objectives for that member state based on article 5 of this regulation , a timeline , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support in a support plan . that support plan shall be made publicly available .


### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development , for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability . for all these areas , the programme should also aim at better aligning union , member states and regional policies , and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies . ### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of innovation and research policies , as well as the full use of r&d results , technological development and european and international standards , for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability .


### in its resolution of 1 june 2017 on digitising european industry67 the european parliament stated that education , training and lifelong learning are the cornerstone of social cohesion in a digital society . _________________ 67 document ref . a8 - 0183 / 2017 , available at : http : / / www . europarl . europa . eu / sides / getdoc . do ? type=ta&language=en&reference=p8 - ta - 2017 - 0240 ### in its resolution of 1 june 2017 on digitising european industry67 the european parliament stated that education , training and lifelong learning are the cornerstone of social cohesion in a digital society . it emphasised as well the importance of basic digital skills which should encompass knowledge of the possibilities that digital skills offer , advanced use of basic digital tools , safe internet behaviour and search methodologies to identify credible sources , and promote awareness - raising about rights online . it would also contribute to allowing citizens to have a critical understanding of different forms of digital media and thereby increasing and enhancing the resources and opportunities offered by ‘ digital literacy’ . _________________ 67 document ref . a8 - 0183 / 2017 , available at : http : / / www . europarl . europa . eu / sides / getdoc . do ? type=ta&language=en&reference=p8 - ta - 2017 - 0240


### in april 2016 the commission adopted the digitising european industry initiative to ensure that ' any industry in europe , big or small , wherever situated and in any sector can fully benefit from digital innovations ' . 71 __________________ 71 null ### in april 2016 the commission adopted the digitising european industry initiative to ensure that ' any industry in europe , big or small , wherever situated and in any sector can fully benefit from digital innovations ' . this is of particular relevance to small and medium enterprises in the cultural and creative sectors .


### reaching the target objectives may require leveraging the potential of complementary technologies in the networking and computing domains , as stated in the communication ' digitising european industry ' 73 that recognises ' availability of world class networking and cloud infrastructure ' as an essential ingredient of industry digitisation . __________________ 73 com 180 final : digitising european industry – reaping the full benefits of a digital single market . ### reaching the target objectives may require leveraging the potential of complementary technologies in the networking and computing domains , as stated in the communication ' digitising european industry ' 73 that recognises ' availability of world class networking and cloud infrastructure ' as an essential component of industry digitisation . __________________ 73 com 180 final : digitising european industry – reaping the full benefits of a digital single market .


### the work programmes should be adopted in principle as multi - annual work programmes , typically every two years , or , if justified by the needs related to the implementation of the programme , annual work programmes . the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation . 76 __________________ 76 this footnote is missing . thank you for using another language . ### the work programmes should be adopted by means of delegated acts in principle every two years , or , if justified by the needs related to the implementation of the programme , on an annual basis . the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation .


### the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission concerning amendments to annex ii to review and / or complement the indicators . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . ### the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission concerning the adoption of work programmes , amendments to annex ii to review and / or complement the indicators . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts .


### this regulation establishes the digital europe programme . ### this regulation establishes the digital europe programme , which shall be implemented for the period of 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 .


### the programme has the following general objective : to support the digital transformation of the european economy and society and bring its benefits to european citizens and businesses . the programme will : ### the general objective of the programme shall be to support the digital transformation of the european economy and society and bring its benefits to european citizens and businesses . it shall :


### the programme will have five specific objectives : ### the five specific objectives of the programme shall be :


### support , together with member states , the procurement of advanced cybersecurity equipment , tools and data infrastructures in full compliance with data protection legislation ; ### support , together with member states , the procurement of advanced cybersecurity equipment , tools and data infrastructures in full compliance with data protection legislation supported by the development of voluntary standards ;


### the financial intervention by the union under specific objective 4 . advanced digital skills shall support the development of advanced digital skills in areas supported by this programme , thus contributing to increase europe ' s talent pool , fostering greater professionalism , especially with regard to high performance computing , big data analytics , cybersecurity , distributed ledger technologies , robotics and artificial intelligence . the financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives : ### the financial intervention by the union under specific objective 4 . advanced digital skills shall support the development of advanced digital skills in areas supported by this programme , thus contributing to increase the union ' s talent pool , fostering greater professionalism , especially with regard to high performance computing , big data analytics , cybersecurity , distributed ledger technologies , robotics and artificial intelligence . the financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives :


### support the design and delivery of short - term trainings and courses for entrepreneurs , small business leaders and the workforce ; ### support the design and delivery of short - term trainings and courses for entrepreneurs , including small business entrepreneurs and the workforce ;


### the indicative distribution of the referred amount shall be : ### the financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated as follows :


### the programme is designed to be implemented enabling synergies , as further described in annex iii , with other union funding programmes , in particular through arrangements for complementary funding from eu programmes where management modalities permit ; either in sequence , in an alternating way , or through the combination of funds including for the joint funding of actions . ### the programme shall enable synergies , as further described in annex iii , with other union funding programmes , in particular through arrangements for complementary funding from eu programmes where management modalities permit , either in sequence , in an alternating way , or through the combination of funds including for the joint funding of actions .


### those work programmes shall be adopted as multiannual programmes for the entire programme . if justified by specific implementation needs , they may also be adopted as annual programmes which cover one or more specific objectives . ### those work programmes shall be adopted as multiannual programmes every two years . if justified by specific implementation needs , they may also be adopted as annual programmes which cover one or more specific objectives .


### to ensure effective assessment of progress of the programme towards the achievement of its objectives , the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 27 to amend annex ii to review or complement the indicators where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework . ### to assess efficiently the progress of the programme towards the achievement of its objectives , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 27 to amend annex ii to review or complement the indicators where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework .


### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states . ### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , specific reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states .


### evaluation ### programme evaluation


### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . ### the commission shall ensure regular monitoring and external evaluation of the programme , based notably on the performance reporting system as referred to in article 24 , paragraph 3 .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the implementation of the programme . ### in addition to regularly monitoring the programme , the commission shall establish an interim evaluation report and shall submit it to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions no later than 31 december 2024 .


### at the end of the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the end of the period specified in article [ 1 ] , a final evaluation of the programme shall be carried out by the commission . ### on the basis of a final external and independent evaluation , the commission shall establish a final evaluation report of the programme , which assesses its longer - term impacts and its sustainability .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 24 shall be conferred on the commission until 31 december 2028 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 23 and 24 shall be conferred on the commission until 31 december 2028 .


### the delegation of power referred to in article 24 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 23 and 24 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 24 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 23 and 24 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### iiinitial activities related to the digitization of industry : ### iiinitial activities related to the digitisation of industry :


### 1number of ict specialists trained and working ### 1number of ict specialists trained and working each year in the union


### 2number of enterprises having difficulty recruiting ict specialists ### 2number of enterprises having difficulty recruiting ict specialists each year in the union


### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education and social inclusion , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu . ### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education , social inclusion and health , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu .


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change , unbalanced distribution of care responsibilities , demographic challenges , an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages experienced especially by smes in some sectors and regions , and lack of employment opportunities in others , taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , quality and inclusive education and lifelong learning making growth and labour markets more inclusive and by improving employment , entrepreneurship including women ' s entrepreneurship and social policies , including in view of labour mobility and by fighting against gender gaps and women’s discrimination inter alia regarding both , access to employment and maternity leave .


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , migration and the integration and inclusion of third - country nationals , clean energy transition , technological change , an increasingly ageing society and workforce , growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the existing economic and social disparities among regions and the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving education , training , employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility .


### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance . ### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape , increase flexibility and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states and beneficiaries , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance .


### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance . ### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states , without compromising the specific objectives of those funds , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases , survivors of long term illnesses , the long - term unemployed , the economically inactive , people from marginalised communities as well as those facing multiple forms of discrimination , through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation and flexibility towards various target groups of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted and individual counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to facilitate workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote participation of women in sustainable and high - quality employment and women entrepreneurship , with special attention to single mothers , through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , the respect of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value between women and men . the esf + should aim to improve work / life balance and access to affordable childcare and life - cycle care services for working parents and carers in order to facilitate their participation in quality employment and as such fight poverty among workers with caring responsibilities . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy , safe and free of harassment and violence either online or in the physical places of work , and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , with special emphasis on disadvantaged social groups or people in vulnerable situations , such as people with disabilities , third - country nationals , roma people , people experiencing homelessness or poverty , people living in disadvantaged micro - regions and rural areas , people above the age of 50 , and people with a low level of educational attainment or basic skills , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim at promoting youth employment through specific actions , including by supporting fair and voluntary mobility and fostering early integration into the labour market . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to make them more effective , improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment with special regard to disadvantaged social groups , to enhance workers’ mobility , and to deliver their service in a non - discriminatory way . the esf + should contribute to tackling precarious employment in order to ensure that all types of work contracts offer decent working conditions with proper social security coverage , in line with the decent work agenda of the international labour organisation , article 9 tfeu , the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and the european social charter . the esf + should promote the participation of women in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and an easy access to good quality , free or affordable childcare , dependent care services and care for the elderly . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases , the long - term unemployed and the economically inactive , as well as those facing multiple forms of discrimination through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women’s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to work as well as to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self - employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote womenʼs participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed , the older unemployed , people with a disability , and the inactive , as well as through promoting self - employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work - life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged groups , as well as through promoting employment , self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications . ### given that it is the main union instrument focused on employment and skills , it is essential that the esf + is able to contribute to social , economic , and territorial cohesion in all parts of europe . to that end it must provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences , notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + must help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this can be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications . ### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work and reintegration to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities while putting special emphasis on combatting the feminisation of poverty . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , gender and geographic location , including children , women in rural areas , marginalised communities such as the roma , people with disabilities and the working poor and other people facing multiple forms of discrimination . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare , childcare and early childhood education and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies and strategies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , people with disabilities , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social security institutions and public employment services and social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility and effectiveness in responding to the changing realities of world of work .


### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4 % of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2 % of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived . ### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4 % of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2 % of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty , old - age poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived .


### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 25 % of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to fostering social inclusion . ### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 25 % of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to fostering social inclusion and combating old - age poverty effectively .


### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 25 % of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to fostering social inclusion . ### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward , member states should allocate at least 25% of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to poverty eradication and fostering social inclusion . that percentage should be complementary to the national resources allocated under the esf + strand to address extreme poverty .


### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to providing tailor - made support to young people . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability . ### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , which levels are even higher in case of young people coming from a disadvantaged social background , such as most young roma , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and effective outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to making them more active in providing tailor - made support to young people and able to deliver their service without discrimination of any kind . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability .


### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to providing tailor - made support to young people . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability . ### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to providing tailor - made support to young people , and at delivering their service without discrimination of any kind , paying particular attention to the young people who are hardest to reach . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 15% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability .


### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , including with regard to the education , training , employment and accessibility of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .


### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities with regard inter alia to education , work , employment and universal accessibility . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .


### in order to reduce the administrative burden for the collection of data , member states should , where such data are available in registers , allow managing authorities to collect data from registers . ### in order to reduce the administrative burden for the collection of data , member states should , where such data , possibly disaggregated by sex , are available in registers , allow managing authorities to collect data from registers .


### lack of access to finance for microenterprises , social economy and social enterprises is one of the main obstacles to business creation , especially among people furthest from the labour market . the esf + regulation lays down provisions in order to create a market eco - system to increase the supply of and access to finance for social enterprises as well as to meet demand from those who need it most , and in particular the unemployed , women and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a microenterprise . this objective will also be addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the social investment and skills policy window of the investeu fund . ### lack of access to finance for microenterprises , social economy and social enterprises is one of the main obstacles to business creation , especially among people furthest from the labour market . the esf + regulation lays down provisions in order to create a market eco - system to increase the supply of and access to finance for social economy enterprises as well as to meet demand from those who need it most , and in particular the unemployed , women and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a microenterprise . this objective will also be addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the social investment and skills policy window of the investeu fund .


### keeping people healthy and active longer and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages ' . 17 . _________________ 17 com 739 final ### keeping people healthy and active longer and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have long - term positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , active participation in society , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages”17 . _________________ 17 com 739 final


### keeping people healthy and active longer and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages ' . 17 _________________ 17 com 739 final ### continued effort is required in order to meet the requirements set out in article 168 tfeu . keeping all people healthy and active in a non - discriminatory way and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . support for , and recognition of , innovation , including social innovation , which has an impact on health , helps in order to take up the challenge of sustainability in the health sector in the context of addressing the challenges of demographic change . moreover , action to reduce inequalities in health is important for the purposes of achieving ' inclusive growth ' . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages . 17 _________________ 17 com 739 final


### evidence and the common values and principles in european union health systems as set out in the council conclusions of 2 june 2006 should support the decision - making processes for planning and managing innovative , efficient and resilient health systems , promoting tools for ensuring universal access to quality healthcare , and the voluntary wider scale implementation of best practices . ### evidence and the common values and principles in european union health systems as set out in the council conclusions of 2 june 2006 should support the decision - making processes for planning and managing innovative , efficient and resilient health systems , promoting tools for ensuring universal access to quality person - centred healthcare and related care , and the voluntary wider scale implementation of best practices . this includes health promotion and disease prevention services as part of primary healthcare services .


### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the union ' s citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for european citizens . ### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention , early diagnosis throughout the lifetime of the people living in the union and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use , smoking and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , environmental health risk factors , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , obesity and unhealthy dietary habits , also related to poverty and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles , greater public awareness of risk factors , well - designed public health interventions for reducing the burden and impact of infections and preventable infectious diseases , including through vaccinations , in the overall health throughout life in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . in this context , special attention should be given to health education as it helps individuals and communities improve their health , increase their knowledge and influence their attitudes . current health challenges can only be effectively addressed through collaboration at union level and continued union action in the field of health . the health strand of the esf + should support implementation of the relevant union legislation , mainstream effective prevention and awareness raising models reaching out to all , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , accessible , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for people living in the union in both urban and rural areas . with a view to fully tapping into the potential of cross - sectorial cooperation and to improving synergies and coherence with other policy fields to achieve the general objectives of the esf + , sport and physical activity should be used as a tool in esf + actions aimed , in particular , at health promotion , and disease prevention .


### given the specific nature of some of the objectives covered by the health strand of the esf + and by the type of the actions under that strand , the respective competent authorities of the member states are best placed to implement the related activities . those authorities , designated by the member states themselves , should therefore be considered to be identified beneficiaries for the purpose of article [ 195 ] of [ the new financial regulation ] and the grants be awarded to such authorities without prior publication of calls for proposals . ### given the specific nature of some of the objectives covered by the health strand of the esf + and by the type of the actions under that strand , the respective competent authorities of the member states are best placed to implement the related activities with the active support of civil society . those authorities , designated by the member states themselves , and additionally , civil society organisations , as appropriate , should therefore be considered to be identified beneficiaries for the purpose of article [ 195 ] of [ the new financial regulation ] and the grants be awarded to such authorities without prior publication of calls for proposals .


### pursuant to article [ 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu19 ] , persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories are to be eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the employment and social innovation and health strands and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant octs are linked . __________________ 19council decision 2013 / 755 / eu of 25 november 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european union . ### pursuant to article [ 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu19 ] , persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories are to be eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the employment and social innovation and health strands and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant octs are linked . the programme will need to allow for the particular constraints affecting persons and entities established in those territories in order to provide for proper access to those strands . __________________ 19council decision 2013 / 755 / eu of 25 november 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european union .


### ' most deprived persons ' means natural persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria set by the national competent authorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders , while avoiding conflicts of interest and which are approved by those national competent authorities and which may include elements that allow the targeting of the most deprived persons in certain geographical areas ; ### ' most deprived persons ' means natural persons , whether individuals , including children , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria set by the national competent authorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders , while avoiding conflicts of interest and which are approved by those national competent authorities and which may include elements that allow the targeting of the most deprived persons in certain geographical areas ;


### a smarter europe through the development of skills for smart specialisation , skills for key enabling technologies , industrial transition , sectorial cooperation on skills and entrepreneurship , the training of researchers , networking activities and partnerships between higher education institutions , vocational and educational training institutions , research and technological centres and enterprises and clusters , support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy ; ### a smarter europe through the development of skills for smart specialisation , skills for key enabling technologies , industrial transition , sectorial cooperation on skills and entrepreneurship , with a special focus on women ' s entrepreneurship , the training of researchers , networking activities and partnerships between higher education institutions , vocational and educational training institutions , research and technological centres and enterprises and clusters , support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy ;


### modernising labour market institutions and services to assess and anticipate skills needs and ensure timely and tailor - made assistance and support to labour market matching , transitions and mobility ; ### modernising labour market institutions and services to end discrimination and assess and anticipate skills needs , strengthen cooperation with enterprises and ensure timely , non - discriminatory , inclusive and tailor - made assistance and support to labour market matching , transitions and mobility ;


### promoting lifelong learning , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ; ### promoting lifelong learning for all age groups , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , and in particular for long - term unemployed people and people with low educational attainment and basic skills , taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ;


### under the health strand , the esf + shall support health promotion and disease prevention , contribute to effectiveness , accessibility and resilience of health systems , make healthcare safer , reduce health inequalities , protect citizens from cross - border health threats , and support eu health legislation . ### under the health strand , the esf + shall contribute to a high level of human health protection and disease prevention , including through the promotion of physical activity and promotion of health education , contribute to effectiveness , accessibility and resilience of health systems , make healthcare safer , reduce health inequalities , increase life expectancy at birth , protect citizens from cross - border health threats , and strengthen and support eu health - related legislation , including in the area of environmental health , and fostering health in all policies . the union’s health policy should be guided by sustainable development goals to ensure that the union and member states reach the targets of sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages” .


### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all ; ### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , such as apprenticeships , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all ;


### fostering active inclusion with a view to promoting equal opportunities and active participation , and improving employability ; ### promoting active employment policies and fostering active inclusion with a view to promoting equal opportunities , non - discrimination and active participation , and improving employability ;


### member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall foster synergies and ensure coordination , complementarity and coherence between the esf + and other union funds , programmes and instruments such as erasmus , the asylum and migration fund and the reform support programme , including the reform delivery tool and the technical support instrument , both in the planning phase and during implementation . member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . ### member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall foster synergies and ensure coordination , complementarity and coherence between the esf + and other union funds , programmes and instruments such as erasmus , the asylum and migration fund and the reform support programme , including the reform delivery tool and the technical support instrument , both in the planning phase and during implementation . member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . the esf + programmes shall also take into account the smart specialisation strategies developed by regional authorities .


### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes . ### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall , at the appropriate territorial level , in accordance with their institutional , legal and financial framework , allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes .


### when programming the esf + resources under shared management for 2026 and 2027 at mid - term in accordance with article [ 14 ] of [ the future cpr ] , member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2024 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2026 to 2027 to these actions . ### when programming the esf + resources under shared management for 2026 and 2027 at mid - term in accordance with article [ 14 ] of [ the future cpr ] , member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2024 on the basis of eurostat data , shall , at the appropriate territorial level , in accordance with their institutional , legal and financial framework , allocate at least 15% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2026 to 2027 to these actions .


### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes . ### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 15% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes .


### the resources referred to in article 7 shall be programmed under a dedicated priority or programme . ### the resources referred to in article 7 shall be programmed under a part of a priority , dedicated priority or programme .


### support in accordance with article 7 shall be programmed under a dedicated priority and it shall support the specific objective set out in point of article 4 . ### support in accordance with article 7 shall be programmed under a part of a priority or a dedicated priority and it shall support the specific objective set out in point of article 4 .


### programmes benefitting from the general support of the esf + strand under shared management shall use common output and result indicators , as set out in annex 1 to this regulation to monitor progress in implementation . the programmes may also use programme - specific indicators . ### programmes benefitting from the general support of the esf + strand under shared management shall use common output and result indicators , as set out in annex 1 to this regulation to monitor progress in implementation . the programmes may also use programme - specific indicators . the indicators should when possible be developed in a gender sensitive manner .


### programmes benefitting from the general support of the esf + strand under shared management shall use common output and result indicators , as set out in annex 1 to this regulation to monitor progress in implementation . the programmes may also use programme - specific indicators . ### programmes benefitting from the general support of the esf + strand under shared management shall use common output and result indicators , as set out in annex 1 to this regulation to monitor progress in implementation . the programmes may also use programme - specific indicators and action - specific indicators .


### member states shall , when data are available in registers or equivalent sources , enable the managing authorities and other bodies entrusted with data collection necessary for the monitoring and the evaluation of the general support of the esf + strand under shared management to obtain those data from data registers or equivalent sources , in accordance with points and of article 6 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### member states may , when data are available in registers or equivalent sources , allow the managing authorities and other bodies entrusted with data collection necessary for the monitoring and the evaluation of the general support of the esf + strand under shared management to obtain those data from data registers or equivalent sources , in accordance with points and of article 6 of regulation 2016 / 679 .


### only actions pursuing the objectives referred to in articles 3 and 26 are eligible for funding . ### only actions related to health pursuing the objectives referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 26 are eligible for funding .


### any legal entity created under union law or any international organisation . ### any legal entity created under union law or relevant international organisation ;


### support the development of a sustainable union health information system ### support the development of a sustainable , transparent and accessible union health information system , whilst ensuring protection of private data .


### support member states with knowledge transfer useful for the national reform processes for more effective , accessible and resilient health systems and better health promotion and disease prevention addressing , in particular , the challenges identified in the european semester . ### support member states with knowledge transfer and implementation support useful for the national reform processes for more effective , accessible , resilient , non - discriminatory , inclusive and equitable health systems tackling social inequalities , and better health promotion and disease prevention addressing , in particular , the challenges identified in the european semester . this also includes supporting high quality national registries that shall also deliver comparable data .


### support the implementation of the legislation on medicinal products and medical devices ### support the implementation of the legislation on medicinal products , access to such products throughout the union and medical devices


### support to the commission ' scientific committees on ' consumer safety ' and on ' health , environmental and emerging risks ' ### support the development of health in all policies and establish processes by which health implications can be considered and taken into account in all policies


### support the development of cooperation on health technology assessment in preparation of new harmonised rules ### support the development of cooperation on and capacity - building in health technology assessment in preparation of new harmonised rules


### of eu - level networks related to the fields referred to in article 26 ; ### of eu - level networks related to the fields referred to in article 26 , in a continuous and sustainable way , ensuring the presence of an active civil society at european level ;


### the commission shall consult the health authorities of the member states in the steering group on health promotion , disease prevention and management of non - communicable diseases or in other relevant commission expert group or similar entities on the work plans established for the health strand and its priorities and strategic orientations and its implementation , and also on the health policy perspective of other policies and support mechanisms , thus increasing their overall coordination and added value . ### the commission shall consult the health authorities of the member states in the steering group on health promotion , disease prevention and management of non - communicable diseases or in other relevant commission expert group or similar entities such as professional bodies in the health sector , on the annual work plans established for the health strand and its priorities and strategic orientations and its implementation , and also on the health policy perspective of other policies and support mechanisms , thus increasing their overall coordination and added value . strong political leadership and adequate governance structure dedicated to health will ensure that health protection and promotion is guaranteed across all commission portfolios , according to article 168 of tfeu .


### indicators to monitor implementation and progress of the strands towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 4 and the operational objectives set out in articles 23 and 26 shall be set . ### indicators to monitor implementation and progress of the strands towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 4 and the operational objectives set out in articles 23 and 26 shall be set , possibly in gender sensitive manner .


### indicators to monitor implementation and progress of the strands towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 4 and the operational objectives set out in articles 23 and 26 shall be set . ### indicators , including programmatic and action specific indicators , &#160 ; to monitor implementation and progress of the strands towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 4 and the operational objectives set out in articles 23 and 26 shall be set .


### questions related to the esf + contribution to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights , including country - specific recommendations and semester - related priorities ; ### questions related to the esf + contribution to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights ;


### number of health technology joint clinical assessments ### number of beneficiaries affected by the results of the programme


### number of best practices transferred ### number of health technology joint clinical assessments


### degree of use of the results of the programme in national health policy as measured by a ' before and after ' questionnaire ### number of best practices transferred


### the structural reform support programme was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - sustaining administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . support under the programme is provided by the commission , upon request by a member state , and can cover a wide range of policy areas . developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures , which allow member states to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them , contributes to economic and social cohesion . the implementation of institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development . ### the structural reform support programme was established with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - sustaining administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . support under the programme is provided by the commission , upon request by a member state , and can cover a wide range of policy areas . developing resilient economies built on strong economic and social structures , which allow member states to efficiently absorb shocks and swiftly recover from them , contributes to territorial , economic and social cohesion . the implementation of institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms is an appropriate tool for achieving such a development .


### member states have increasingly taken up support under the programme , beyond the initial expectations . the requests for support received by the commission during the 2017 cycle have , based on their estimated value , significantly exceeded the available annual allocation . during the 2018 cycle , the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year . almost all member states have requested support under the programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the programme . ### member states have increasingly taken up support under the programme , beyond the initial expectations . the requests for support received by the commission during the 2017 cycle have , based on their estimated value , significantly exceeded the available annual allocation which has resulted therefore in several requests not being selected for funding . during the 2018 cycle , the estimated value of requests received was five times the financial resources available for that year . almost all member states have requested support under the programme and requests are distributed across all policy areas covered by the programme .


### strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the economic and monetary union . that is particularly important for member states whose currency is not the euro , in their preparation to join the euro area . ### strengthening territorial , economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the economic and monetary union . that is particularly important for member states whose currency is not the euro , in their preparation to join the euro area .


### it is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those member states whose currency is not the euro . ### it is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the programme – within its contribution towards responding to territorial , economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those member states whose currency is not the euro .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation , and investment , which will also prepare for participation in the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds . ; ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to territorial , economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation , and investment , which will also prepare for participation in the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds . ;