### 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 , accessibility and labour market relevance as well as the inclusive nature of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards cultural awareness and expression skills , digital and media skills , including data protection and information governance , transversal skills , language skills and citizenship skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression and flexibility within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to social cohesion , competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through high - quality work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , in the form of distance and blended - learning , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , support for informal , and non - formal learning validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications and prior learning . the esf + should encourage and promote access to the teaching profession by minorities , aiming at a better integration of marginalised communities such as the roma , minorities and migrants .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care , paying special attention to children coming from a disadvantaged social background , such as children in institutional care and children experiencing homelessness , through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level and re - integration into the education system , as well as adult education and learning , thereby preventing the transmission of poverty through generations , fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving and social exclusion , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme should be established in this context in order to properly and actively reach out and to prepare disadvantaged learners for mobility experiences abroad and increase their participation in cross - border learning mobility .


### member states shall allocate at least 2% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objective of addressing material deprivation set out in point of article 4 . ### in addition to the minimum allocation of at least 30% of the esf + resources under shared management to the specific objectives vii ) – x ) of article - 7 , member states shall allocate at least 4% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objective of addressing social inclusion of the most deprived and / or material deprivation as set out in points and of article - 7 .


### 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 eradication of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people experiencing or 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 4% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to eradicate 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 the simplest possible rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived


### 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 , social inequalities , the management of migration flows and related integration challenges , clean energy and just transition , technological change , demographic decline , unemployment in general and youth unemployment and an increasingly ageing society and workforce and growing skills shortages 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 , education , training and lifelong learning making growth more inclusive and by improving competences and knowledge , employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility of eu citizens and addressing increasing health inequalities between and within member states .


### member states shall support actions of social innovation and social experimentations , or strengthen bottom - up approaches based on partnerships involving public authorities , the private sector , and civil society such as the local action groups designing and implementing community - led local development strategies . ### through esf + , member states shall support actions of social innovation and experimentation , including the upscaling of innovative approaches tested on a smaller scale , or strengthen bottom - up approaches based on partnerships involving public authorities , in particular on local and regional level , the private sector , and civil society such as the local action groups designing and implementing community - led local development strategies which take into account local characteristics .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the guidelines for the employment policies of the member states adopted by the council in accordance with article 148 , namely : boosting the demand for labour ; enhancing labour supply : access to employment , skills and competences ; enhancing the functioning of labour markets and the effectiveness of social dialogue and promoting equal opportunities for all , fostering social inclusion and combatting poverty , together with the broad economic guidelines adopted in accordance with article 121 form part of the integrated guidelines underpinning the europe 2020 strategy . the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align them with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to , stimulate creation of jobs and foster social cohesion , thus improving europe’s competitiveness and making the union a better place to invest . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of the guidelines , for the employment policies , member states should programme the esf + support , taking account of those guidelines , relevant for them , as well as of relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 tfeu and , at national level , the employment and social aspects of the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , the youth guarantee and other relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as investing in children : breaking the cycle of disadvantage , the upskilling pathways , on integration of the long - term unemployed , a quality framework for traineeships and apprenticeships and the action plan on the integration of third - country nationals .


### 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 , notably flexible and learner - centred upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on personal , societal and labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility as well as occupational literacy , fostering participation in society and tackling societal challenges ;


### the commission shall be assisted by the committee set up under article 163 tfeu . ### the commission shall be assisted by an extended committee based on article 163 tfeu . the composition of the committee shall be approved by the commission in order to safeguard transparency and balanced representation .


### the integration of the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health with the esf + will also create synergies between the developments and testing of initiatives and policies to improve the effectiveness , resilience and sustainability of health systems developed by the health strand of the esf + programme and their implementation in the member states by the tools provided by the other strands of the esf + regulation . ### amendments the integration of the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health with the esf + will also create synergies between the developments and testing of initiatives and policies to improve the effectiveness , resilience and sustainability of health systems developed by the health strand of the esf + programme and their implementation in the member states at national , regional and local level by the tools provided by the other strands of the esf + regulation .


### 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 , also through their management authorities at national and regional level , 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 and pensions . 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 and chronic diseases 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 institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . this should also include the development of a national / regional deinstitutionalisation strategy and action plan . 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 .


### each member state shall ensure adequate participation of social partners and civil society organisations in the delivery of employment , education and social inclusion policies supported by the esf + strand under shared management . ### each member state shall ensure meaningful participation of social partners , civil society organisations , equality bodies , national human rights institutions and other relevant or representative organisations in the programming , delivery , monitoring and evaluation of all programmes supported by the esf + , including as relevant employment , education , poverty eradication and social inclusion , and anti - discrimination - related policies and programmes .


### in light of the persistent need to enhance efforts to address the management of the migration flows in the union as a whole and in order to ensure a coherent , strong and consistent support to the solidarity and responsibility - sharing efforts , the esf + should provide support to promote the socio - economic integration of third country nationals complementary to the actions financed under the asylum and migration fund . ### in light of the need to enhance efforts to address the integration and inclusion of third - country nationals in the union as a whole and in order to ensure a coherent , strong and consistent support to the solidarity and fair responsibility - sharing efforts , the esf + should provide support to promote the socio - economic integration of third country nationals complementary to the actions financed under the asylum and migration fund , the erdf , and those funds which can have a positive effect on the integration and inclusion of third - country nationals .


### each member state shall dedicate at least one priority to the implementation of paragraphs 1 or 2 or to both . the maximum co - financing rate for these priorities may be increased to 95% for the allocation of maximum 5% of the national esf + allocation under shared management to such priorities . ### at least 10% of the esf + resources at national level shall be allocated to the implementation of paragraphs 1 or 2 or both .


### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . ### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . through the esf + , the member states and the commission shall also support targeted actions within any of the specific objectives referred to in article 4 with the aim of increasing the sustainable participation and career progression of women in employment , thus combating the feminisation of poverty , reducing gender - based segregation , combating gender stereotypes in the labour market and in education and training , and promoting the reconciliation of work and personal life for all , as well as the equal sharing of care responsibilities between men and women .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to high - quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level and re - integration into the education system , as well as adult education and learning and to cultural activities , thereby preventing the inter - generational transfer of poverty , fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving and social exclusion , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning , namely in the field of arts and facilitating learning mobility for all . special attention should be given to early childhood education as the early years are the most formative in human life and they greatly influence people ' s education , employment and integration prospects . synergies with the erasmus programme , to upscale innovative practices and notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . moreover , policy coherence and complementarity between the erasmus programme and the esf + should ensure a decent support to design and implement measures such as learning mobility for disadvantaged learners , particularly young people in vulnerable situations , adult learners and persons with disabilities or chronic diseases , in order to properly prepare them for mobility experiences abroad and increase their participation in the erasmus programme .


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


### this regulation lays down a financial envelope for the esf + . parts of this financial envelope should be used for actions to be implemented in direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands . ### this regulation lays down a financial envelope for the esf + . it should specify the allocations for activities to be implemented under shared management and the allocations for actions to be implemented in direct and indirect management .


### 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 eradicate poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and achieve social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health and education inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of pro - active and reactive policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age or nationality , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , people with disabilities , people experiencing homelessness , third - country nationals , people living in rural areas 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 free or 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 also address rural poverty stemming from the specific disadvantages of rural areas , such as an unfavourable demographic situation , a weak labour market , limited access to or lower quality of education and training services , and lack of healthcare and social services .


### social investment market players , including philanthropic actors , can play a key role in achieving several esf + objectives , as they offer financing as well as innovative and complementary approaches to combatting social exclusion and poverty , reducing unemployment and contributing to the un sustainable development goals . therefore , philanthropic actors such as foundations and donors should be involved , as appropriate , in esf + actions in particular in those aimed at developing the social investment market ecosystem . ### social investment market players , including philanthropic actors , can play a role in supporting the achievement of several esf + objectives , as they offer financing as well as innovative and complementary approaches to combatting social exclusion and poverty , reducing unemployment and contributing to the un sustainable development goals . therefore , philanthropic actors such as foundations and donors should be involved , as appropriate , in esf + actions .


### in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of labour markets and promote access to quality employment , to improve the access to and the quality of education and training as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to reduce poverty are not only implemented under shared management , but also under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level . ### the union should contribute to the employment policies of the member states by encouraging cooperation and by complementing their actions . in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of inclusive , open and fair labour markets for all genders and promote access to quality employment , to improve the access to and the quality of education and training , to aid reintegration into education systems and to promote lifelong learning , as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to eradicate poverty will continue to be implemented mainly under shared management , and where appropriate , complemented under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level .


### promoting social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion , including the most deprived and children ; ### promoting social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion , including the most deprived and children , including by taking into account the use of innovative measures , such as social inclusion through sport and physical activity ;


### 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 dedicated priority or programme and it shall support the specific objective set out in point of article - 7 .


### synergies with the horizon europe programme should ensure that the esf + can mainstream and scale up innovative curricula supported by horizon europe in order to equip people with the skills and competences needed for the jobs of the future . ### synergies with the horizon europe programme should ensure that the esf + can mainstream and scale up innovative curricula supported by horizon europe in order to equip people with the skills and competences needed for their personal and professional development and for the jobs of the future . the commission should ensure synergies between the health strand and the horizon europe programme in order to boost the results achieved in the area of health protection and disease prevention .


### the purchase of furniture , equipment and vehicles except where the purchase is necessary for achieving the objective of the operation , or these items are fully depreciated , or the purchase of these items is the most economic option . ### the purchase of furniture , equipment and vehicles where the purchase is not necessary for achieving the objective of the operation .


### 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 , it is necessary that member states continue to invest adequate resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment , in particular 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 high - quality employment and education reintegration pathways and effective outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people and young people who are hardest to reach , and young people in vulnerable situations , 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 . member states should allocate at least 3% of their national resources of the esf + strand to support policies in the field of youth employability , continued education , quality employment , apprenticeships and traineeships . member states with a neet rate above the eu average , or whenever their neet rate is above 15% , acting at the appropriate territorial level should allocate at least 15% of their national resources of the esf + to support policies in this field .


### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection . ### the esf + shall support , add value and complement the policies of the member states at national , regional and local level to ensure equal opportunities , gender equality , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection , as set out in the european pillar of social rights .


### the esf + aims to support member states to achieve high employment levels , fair social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work , in line with the principles set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on 17 november 2017 . ### the esf + aims to support member states to effectively eradicate poverty and fight social exclusion , advance equality and non - discrimination and achieve high employment levels , adequate and sustainable social protection , an appropriate level of health for all , and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work , in line with the principles set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on17 november 2017 . the esf + also aims at contributing to fulfilling the commitment of the union and its member states to achieve the sustainable development goals .


### member states shall allocate an appropriate amount of esf + resources under shared management in each programme for the capacity building of social partners and civil society organisations . ### member states shall allocate an appropriate amount of esf + resources under shared management in each programme for the capacity building of local and regional authorities , social partners , civil society organisations and non - governmental organisations .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the guidelines for the employment policies of the member states adopted by the council in accordance with article 148 , namely : boosting the demand for labour ; enhancing labour supply : access to employment , skills and competences ; enhancing the functioning of labour markets and the effectiveness of social dialogue and promoting equal opportunities for all , fostering social inclusion and combatting poverty , together with the broad economic guidelines adopted in accordance with article 121 form part of the integrated guidelines underpinning the europe 2020 strategy . the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align them with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to , stimulate creation of jobs and foster social cohesion , thus improving europe’s competitiveness and making the union a better place to invest . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of the guidelines , for the employment policies , member states should programme the esf + support , taking account of those guidelines , relevant for them , as well as of relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 tfeu and , at national level , the employment and social aspects of the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , the youth guarantee and other relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as investing in children : breaking the cycle of disadvantage , the upskilling pathways , on integration of the long - term unemployed , a quality framework for traineeships and apprenticeships and the action plan on the integration of third - country nationals .


### with a view to rendering policies more responsive to social change and to encourage and support innovative solutions , support for social innovation is crucial . in particular , testing and evaluating innovative solutions before scaling them up is instrumental in improving the efficiency of the policies and thus justifies specific support from the esf + . ### with a view to rendering policies more responsive to social change and to encourage and support innovative solutions , support for social innovation is crucial . in particular , testing and evaluating innovative solutions at local level before scaling them up is instrumental in improving the efficiency of the policies and thus justifies specific support from the esf + .


### this regulation lays down a financial envelope for the esf + . parts of this financial envelope should be used for actions to be implemented in direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands . ### this regulation lays down a financial envelope for the esf + by specifying the allocations for actions to be implemented in shared management under the social cohesion and social rights strand and the allocations for actions to be implemented in direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands .


### 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 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 , social inequalities , the management of migration flows and related integration challenges , clean energy and just transition , technological change , demographic decline , unemployment in general and youth unemployment and an increasingly ageing society and workforce and growing skills shortages 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 , education , training and lifelong learning making growth more inclusive and by improving competences and knowledge , employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility of eu citizens and addressing increasing health inequalities between and within member states .


### the esf + shall support the following specific objectives in the policy areas of employment , education , social inclusion and health and thereby also contributing to the policy objective for &#8220 ; a more social europe - implementing the european pillar of social rights&#8221 ; set out in article [ 4 ] of the [ future cpr ] : ### the esf + shall support the following specific objectives in the policy areas of employment , education , fighting poverty , social inclusion and health and thereby also contributing to the policy objective for &#8220 ; a more social europe - implementing the european pillar of social rights&#8221 ; set out in article [ 4 ] of the [ future cpr ] :


### 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 social inequalities , e . g . unequal access to education and social protection , demographic challenges , economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and related inclusion challenges , the impact of the economic and financial crisis , 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 quality and inclusive education and training , lifelong learning and relevant skills , competences and knowledge , making labour markets and growth more inclusive and our societies more cohesive and by improving education , employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility , and by fighting against gender gaps .


### 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 , also through their management authorities at national and regional level , 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 and pensions . 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 and chronic diseases 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 institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . this should also include the development of a national / regional deinstitutionalisation strategy and action plan . 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 .


### article 5 budget the total financial envelope for the esf + for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 101&#160 ; 174&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000 in current prices . 2 . the part of the financial envelope for the esf + strand under shared management under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be eur 100 000 000 000 in current prices or eur 88 646 194 590 in 2018 prices of which eur 200 000 000 in current prices or eur 175 000 000 in 2018 prices shall be allocated for transnational cooperation supporting innovative solutions as referred to in article 23 and eur 400 000 000 in current prices or eur 376 928 934 in 2018 prices as additional funding to the outermost regions identified in article 349 tfeu and the nuts level 2 regions fulfilling the criteria laid down in article 2 of protocol no 6 to the 1994 act of accession . 3 . the financial envelope for the employment and social innovation strand and the health strand for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 1 174 000 000 in current prices . 4 . the indicative distribution of the amount referred in paragraph 3 shall be : eur 761&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000 for the implementation of the employment and social innovation strand ; b ) eur 413 000 000 for the implementation of the health strand . 5 . the amounts referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 may also be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programmes , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities including corporate information technology systems . ### article 5 budget the total financial envelope for the esf + for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 106 781 000 000 in 2018 prices . 2 . the part of the financial envelope for the esf + strand under shared management under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be eur 105 686 000 000 in 2018 prices of which eur 200 000 000 in current prices or eur 175 000 000 in 2018 prices shall be allocated for transnational cooperation supporting innovative solutions as referred to in article 23 and eur 400 000 000 in current prices or eur 376 928 934 in 2018 prices as additional funding to the outermost regions identified in article 349 tfeu and the nuts level 2 regions fulfilling the criteria laid down in article 2 of protocol no 6 to the 1994 act of accession . 3 . the financial envelope for the employment and social innovation strand and the health strand for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 1 095 000 000 in 2018 prices . 4 . the indicative distribution of the amount referred in paragraph 3 shall be : eur 675 000 000 in 2018 prices for the implementation of the employment and social innovation strand ; b ) eur 420 000 000 in 2018 prices for the implementation of the health strand . 5 . the amounts referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 may also be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programmes , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities including corporate information technology systems .


### equality between men and women and equal opportunities , and non - discrimination all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . 2 . the member states and the commission shall also support specific targeted actions to promote the principles referred to in paragraph 1 within any of the objectives of the esf + , including the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care . ### gender equality and equal opportunities , and non - discrimination all programmes implemented under the esf + shall ensure gender equality throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also support specific actions aimed at increasing the participation of women in working life and their professional development as well as conciliation between working and personal life , promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability or health condition , age or sexual orientation , including the accessibility to persons with disabilities also in terms of ict , throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation thereby enhancing social inclusion and reducing inequalities . 2 . the member states and the commission shall also support specific targeted actions to promote the principles referred to in paragraph 1 within any of the objectives of the esf + , including the transition from institutional care to family and community - based care and improving universal accessibility for persons with disabilities .


### 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 , notably flexible and learner - centred upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on personal , societal and labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility as well as occupational literacy , fostering participation in society and tackling societal challenges ;


### 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 social and economic inequalities , globalisation , the management of migration flows and related integration challenges , clean energy transition , technological change , demographic developments , unequal access to education and digitalization , 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 labour market , including quality education and training , lifelong learning , more inclusive and by improving employment , education and social policies , including in view of a voluntary labour mobility .


### 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 , it is necessary that member states continue to invest adequate resources of the social cohesion and social rights strand towards actions to promote youth employment , in particular 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 high - quality 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 providing tailor - made support to young people , and at delivering their service without discrimination of any kind . member states should therefore allocate at least 5% of their national resources of the social cohesion and social rights strand , or 15% of their national resources of the social cohesion and social rights strand when their neet rate is too high , to support policies in the field of youth employability , continued education , quality jobs , apprenticeships and traineeships .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union’s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this regulation will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union’s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the mid - term evaluation . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union’s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this regulation will contribute to mainstream climate action to ensure a socially acceptable and just transition to a sustainable low carbon economy in the union’s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the mid - term evaluation .


### 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 shall allocate at least 5% 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 , or whenever their neet rate is above 15% , or whenever their youth unemployment rate is above 15% , shall allocate at least 15% of their esf + resources under shared management in the programming period to the above mentioned actions and structural reform measures .


### to support social experimentations in the fields referred to in article 4 and build up the stakeholders ' capacity to implement , transfer or upscale the tested social policy innovations ; ### to support social experimentations in the fields referred to in article 3 and build up the stakeholders ' capacity to implement , transfer or upscale the tested social policy innovations ;


### 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 and young people’s access to high - quality jobs , 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 and their regions 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 , including through programmes enabling the development of entrepreuneurial activities . 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 in particular young people in vulnerable situations . member states concerned should allocate 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability .


### 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 are available in registers , allow managing authorities to collect data from registers , provided that such data is properly protected .


### improving access to employment of all jobseekers , in particular youth and long - term unemployed , and of inactive people , promoting self - employment and the social economy ; ### improving access to high - quality employment of all jobseekers , including youth , in relation to its high unemployment , marginalised or disadvantaged groups , those with disabilities , or living in rural , mountainous and deprived urban areas , people close to retirement ; long - term unemployed , and inactive people , promoting self - employment , entrepreneurship , including the development of smes , accompanied by specific training programmes and the social economy also through on the spot job training and apprenticeship ;


### member states shall support actions of social innovation and social experimentations , or strengthen bottom - up approaches based on partnerships involving public authorities , the private sector , and civil society such as the local action groups designing and implementing community - led local development strategies . ### through esf + , member states shall support actions of social innovation and experimentation , including the upscaling of innovative approaches tested on a smaller scale , or strengthen bottom - up approaches based on partnerships involving public authorities , in particular on local and regional level , the private sector , and civil society such as the local action groups designing and implementing community - led local development strategies which take into account local characteristics .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for those who belong to disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby preventing the transmission of poverty through generations , fostering permeability between education and training sectors , reducing and preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably actively reaching out to disadvantaged learners in order to enable their participation in learning mobility , should be supported within this context .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the employment and social innovation and health strands , and their actions and results . financial resources allocated to the employment and social innovation and health strands shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in articles 4 , 23 and 26 . ### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the employment and social innovation and health strands , and their actions and results . financial resources allocated to the employment and social innovation and health strands shall also contribute to the communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in articles 4 , 23 and 26 .


### 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 , accessibility and labour market relevance as well as the inclusive nature of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards cultural awareness and expression skills , digital and media skills , including data protection and information governance , transversal skills , language skills and citizenship skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression and flexibility within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to social cohesion , competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through high - quality work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , in the form of distance and blended - learning , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , support for informal , and non - formal learning validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications and prior learning . the esf + should encourage and promote access to the teaching profession by minorities , aiming at a better integration of marginalised communities such as the roma , minorities and migrants .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 15 , article 21 and article 33 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from date of entry into force of this regulation . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 15 , article 21 , article 32 and article 33 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from date of entry into force of this regulation .


### member states shall allocate at least 25% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objectives for the social inclusion policy area set out in points to of article 4 , including the promotion of the socio - economic integration of third country nationals . ### member states shall allocate at least 25% of their esf + resources under shared management to specific objectives for social inclusion across points , , and of article 4 .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the guidelines for the employment policies of the member states adopted by the council in accordance with article 148 , namely : boosting the demand for labour ; enhancing labour supply : access to employment , skills and competences ; enhancing the functioning of labour markets and the effectiveness of social dialogue and promoting equal opportunities for all , fostering social inclusion and combatting poverty , together with the broad economic guidelines adopted in accordance with article 121 form part of the integrated guidelines underpinning the europe 2020 strategy . the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align them with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to , stimulate creation of jobs and foster social cohesion , thus improving europe’s competitiveness and making the union a better place to invest . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of the guidelines , for the employment policies , member states should programme the esf + support , taking account of those guidelines , relevant for them , as well as of relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 tfeu and , at national level , the employment and social aspects of the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , the youth guarantee and other relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as investing in children : breaking the cycle of disadvantage , the upskilling pathways , on integration of the long - term unemployed , a quality framework for traineeships and apprenticeships and the action plan on the integration of third - country nationals .


### a greener , low carbon europe through the improvement of education and training systems necessary for the adaptation of skills and qualifications , the upskilling of all , including the labour force , the creation of new jobs in sectors related to the environment , climate and energy , and the bioeconomy . ### a greener , low carbon europe through the improvement of education and training systems at the various stages of professional activity necessary for raising awareness of climate change , the adaptation of skills and qualifications , the upskilling of persons in active employment and jobseekers , the creation of new green jobs in sectors related to the environment , climate and energy , circular economy and the bioeconomy .


### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection . ### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , equal and non - discriminatory access to the labour market and to education , fair working conditions , social protection , integration and inclusion for all , poverty eradication , and a high level of human health protection . all actions under the esf + shall respect the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care , paying special attention to children coming from a disadvantaged social background , such as children in institutional care and children experiencing homelessness , through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level and re - integration into the education system , as well as adult education and learning , thereby preventing the transmission of poverty through generations , fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving and social exclusion , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme should be established in this context in order to properly and actively reach out and to prepare disadvantaged learners for mobility experiences abroad and increase their participation in cross - border learning mobility .


### 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 through their managing authorities , at national and regional level , and , where appropriate the commission , shall foster synergies and ensure coordination , complementarity and coherence between the esf + and other union funds , such as the esi funds and in particular the erdf and the cohesion fund , as well as programmes and instruments such as erasmus , horizon europe , 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 , without prejudice to the objectives of the esf + as set out in articles 3 and 4 . member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and ensure close cooperation between those managing authorities responsible for implementation to deliver integrated approaches , coherent and streamlined support actions .


### when implementing such actions , member states shall give priority to inactive and long - term unemployed young people and put in place targeted outreach measures . ### when implementing such actions , member states shall give priority to inactive and long - term unemployed young people , including roma , people with disabilities and third - country nationals , and put in place targeted outreach measures .


### 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 are available in registers , allow managing authorities to collect data from registers while respecting the protection of personal data in accordance to regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council1a . __________________ 1a regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### 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 , non - discriminatory nature , accessibility , inclusiveness , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards language skills and digital skills , including data protection and information governance , which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . in case of the long - term unemployed and people coming from a disadvantaged social background , special attention should be paid to empower them and to strengthen their self - confidence and ability to access and demand their rights . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability of all , and contribute to inclusiveness , competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through investments in vocational education , including dual education , work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with the social partners , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### 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 + , in close cooperation with the member states , should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling the integration and re - integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed , carers , the economically inactive and disadvantaged groups , as well as through promoting self–employment , entrepreneurship , and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve employment policies and 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 and personalized , where suitable , counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment , with special attention to disadvantaged groups and to facilitate workers’ mobility , and to deliver their service in a non - discriminatory way . the esf + should promote women’s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and easy access to affordable or free quality childcare , eldercare and other care services or support of good quality . the esf + should also aim to provide a safe , 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 also support measures aimed to facilitate the transition of young people from education to employment .


### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection . ### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , equal access to the labour market , fair working conditions , job creation and quality employment , social protection and inclusion for all , investment in children and young people , access to quality education and training , equality between men and women , non - discrimination and a high level of human health protection . all activities and operations supported by the esf + shall respect the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### to provide guidance for the development of social infrastructure needed for the implementation of the european pillar of social rights ; ### to provide guidance for the development of social infrastructure needed for the implementation of the european pillar of social rights and in particular its principle 11 on social inclusion of children ;


### 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 the integration and re - integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , people in vulnerable situations , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social and solidarity - based economy . the esf + should aim to improve the employment policies and 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 , and to deliver their service in a non - discriminatory way . the esf + should promote women’s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and easy access to affordable or free quality childcare , eldercare and other care services or support of good quality . the esf + should also aim to provide a safe , 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 .


### committee under article 163 tfeu ### esf + committee


### 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 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 . preference shall by given to measures that are aimed at : - shifting taxation away from labour towards wealth and pollution , - strengthening employment and social policies that empower people , including more women , to productively participate in the economy and society , - fighting tax avoidance through significantly improved transparency , in particular by ensuring that national tax policies and cooperation among tax authorities is fully in line with the principle of sincere cooperation , - supporting strategies for innovative and sustainable re - industrialisation , or - supporting improvements in education and training systems , in particular in new growth areas such as the digital single market . ;


### live performance artists , in particular , often experience difficulties in organising tours in the union . students , researchers , culture professionals , pensioners , business people , service providers as well as tourists may also wish to stay longer than 90 days in any 180 - day period in the schengen area . the lack of appropriate authorisation leads to a loss of potential visitors and consequently to an economic loss . ### live performance artists and sports persons and their support staff , in particular , often experience difficulties in organising tours in the union . business people , service providers , students and researchers , culture professionals , pensioners , as well as tourists may also wish to stay longer than 90 days in any 180 - day period in the schengen area . the lack of appropriate authorisation leads to a loss of potential visitors and consequently to an economic loss .


### visa - requiring and visa - exempt third - country nationals may have a legitimate interest in travelling within the schengen area for more than 90 days in a given 180 - day period without staying in any single member state for more than 90 days . rules should therefore be adopted to allow for this possibility . ### visa - requiring and visa - exempt third - country nationals may have a legitimate interest in travelling within the schengen area for more than 90 days in a given 180 - day period without staying in any single member state for more than 90 days . rules should therefore be adopted to allow for this possibility or to facilitate the renewal of visas issued at a previous point in time for individuals who continue to meet the minimum entry criteria .


### in cases referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 the competent member state for examining and deciding on an application for a touring visa shall be the member state the applicant intends to enter first making use of the touring visa . ### in cases referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 the competent member state for examining and deciding on an application for a touring visa shall be the member state whose territory constitutes the first destination of the applicant making use of the touring visa .


### grant refugee status where the third - country national or the stateless person concerned qualifies as a refugee or subsidiary protection status where the third - country national or the stateless person concerned is eligible for subsidiary protection . the member state shall notify the third - country national or the stateless person concerned of that decision . the decision to grant refugee status or subsidiary protection status shall have the same effect as a decision to grant refugee status or to grant subsidiary protection status referred to in articles 13 and 19 of regulation no xxx / xxx [ qualification regulation ] , once the person concerned has entered the territory of a member state ; ### grant refugee status . the member state shall notify the third - country national or the stateless person concerned of that decision . the decision to grant refugee status shall have the same effect as a decision to grant refugee status referred to in articles 13 of regulation no xxx / xxx [ qualification regulation ] , once the person concerned has entered the territory of a member state ;


### third - country nationals , who are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , or stateless persons , who are outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that they , if returned to or staying in their country of origin or former habitual residence , would face a real risk of suffering serious harm , and are unable , or , owing to such risk , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country ; ### third - country nationals , who are outside the country of nationality , or stateless persons , who are outside of the country of former habitual residence , and in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that they , if returned to their country of origin or former habitual residence , would face a real risk of suffering serious harm , and are unable , or , owing to such risk , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country ;


### contribute to the reduction of the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection to the territory of the member states ; ### contribute to the reduction of the need for third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection to travel irregularly to the territory of the member states ;


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing targeted union resettlement schemes consistent with the annual union resettlement plan adopted pursuant to article 7 . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 15 . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 , supplementing this regulation , in order to establish targeted union resettlement schemes consistent with the annual&#160 ; union resettlement plan adopted pursuant to article 7 , in accordance with paragraph 2 .