### these rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced , shared among the citizens and peoples within the union and be at the heart of europe’s societies , therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as a part of the new fund , the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 rights , equality and citizenship programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council10 and the europe for citizens programme established by regulation no 390 / 2014 of the council11 . the justice programme will continue to support the development of an integrated european justice area and cross - border cooperation , in continuity with the 2014 - 2020 justice programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council12 . __________________ 10 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 11 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 12 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 . ### these rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced , shared among the citizens and peoples within the union and be at the heart of europe’s societies , therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , and proceedings under article 7 of the treaty on european union , relating to systematic breaches of the rule of law , as well as infringement proceedings on issues relating to the rule of law in member states , are ongoing , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as a part of the new fund , the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 rights , equality and citizenship programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council10 and the europe for citizens programme established by regulation no 390 / 2014 of the council11 . the justice programme will continue to support the development of an integrated european justice area and cross - border cooperation , in continuity with the 2014 - 2020 justice programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council12 . __________________ 10 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 11 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 12 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 .


### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings . ### to facilitate effective access to justice for all , with the emphasis on inequalities and discrimination on any ground , such as gender , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation , colour , social origin , genetic features , language , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings ;


### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings . ### to facilitate equal and effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings .


### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives . ### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives . support should be given , in particular , to activities which facilitate effective and equal access to justice for persons at risk , namely women , children , persons with disabilities , lgbti people and migrants , irrespective of their residence status .


### judicial training can involve different actors , such as member states’ legal , judicial and administrative authorities , academic institutions , national bodies responsible for judicial training , european - level training organisations or networks , or networks of court coordinators of union law . bodies and entities pursuing a general european interest in the field of training of the judiciary , such as the european judicial training network , the academy of european law , the european network of councils for the judiciary , the association of the councils of state and supreme administrative jurisdictions of the european union , the network of the presidents of supreme judicial courts of the european union and the european institute of public administration , should continue to play their role in promoting training programmes with a genuine european dimension for the judiciary and judicial staff , and could therefore be granted adequate financial support in accordance with the procedures and the criteria set out in the annual work programmes adopted by the commission pursuant to this regulation . ### judicial training can involve different actors , such as member states’ legal , judicial and administrative authorities , academic institutions , national bodies responsible for judicial training , european - level training organisations or networks , or networks of court coordinators of union law and equality bodies . cross - cutting cooperation between judges and medical professionals must be supported in order to provide necessary training to judiciary and judicial staff in regard to cases that deal with gender based violence and violence against women . bodies and entities pursuing a general european interest in the field of training of the judiciary , such as the european judicial training network , the academy of european law , the european network of councils for the judiciary , the association of the councils of state and supreme administrative jurisdictions of the european union , the network of the presidents of supreme judicial courts of the european union and the european institute of public administration , should continue to play their role in promoting training programmes with a genuine european dimension for the judiciary and judicial staff , and could therefore be granted adequate financial support in accordance with the procedures and the criteria set out in the annual work programmes adopted by the commission pursuant to this regulation . taking into account that women judges are underrepresented in the top positions , women judges , prosecutors and other legal professions shall be encouraged to participate in the training activities .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law and as duty - bearers how to best serve the people in europe . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the non - discriminatory , correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals , including also those working for human rights organisations , of different member states , comprise awareness - raising trainings , active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . awareness - raising trainings should include trainings about the challenges and obstacles experienced by ethnic minorities , such as the roma , lgbti people , persons with disabilities , victims of gender - based and other forms of interpersonal violence , trafficking , and victims of hate speech and hate crime . these trainings should be provided with the direct involvement of victims and the organisations representing and / or helping them .


### the 2014 - 2020 programme has enabled training activities on union law , in particular on the scope and application of the charter , targeted at members of the judiciary and other legal practitioners . in its conclusions of 12 october 2017 on the application of the charter in 2016 , the council recalled the importance of awareness - raising on the application of the charter , including among policymakers , legal practitioners and the rights holders themselves , at national as well as at union level . therefore , to mainstream fundamental rights in a consistent way , it is necessary to extend financial support to awareness –raising activities for other public authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners . ### the 2014 - 2020 programme has enabled training activities on union law , in particular on the scope and application of the charter , targeted at members of the judiciary and other legal practitioners . in its conclusions of 12 october 2017 on the application of the charter in 2016 , the council recalled the importance of awareness - raising on the application of the charter , including among policymakers , legal practitioners and the rights holders themselves , at national as well as at union level . therefore , to mainstream fundamental rights in a consistent way , it is necessary to extend financial support to awareness –raising activities for other public authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , and for ngos undertaking this task as well .


### measures under the programme should support enhanced mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments and the necessary approximation of legislation that will facilitate cooperation between all the relevant authorities , including financial intelligence units , and the judicial protection of individual rights in civil and commercial matters . the programme should also advance the procedural legislation for cross - border cases and greater convergence in civil law that will help to eliminate obstacles to good and efficient functioning judicial and extra - judicial procedures in benefit of all parties in a civil dispute . finally , in order to support the effective enforcement and practical application of the union law on judicial cooperation in civil matters , the programme should support the functioning of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters established by council decision 2001 / 470 / ec . ### measures under the programme should support enhanced mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments and the necessary approximation of legislation that will facilitate cooperation between all the relevant authorities , including financial intelligence units , and the judicial protection of individual rights in civil and commercial matters . the programme should also advance the procedural legislation for cross - border cases , especially focusing on facilitating access to justice for all victims , and greater convergence in civil law that will help to eliminate obstacles to good and efficient functioning judicial and extra - judicial procedures in benefit of all parties in a civil dispute . finally , in order to support the effective enforcement and practical application of the union law on judicial cooperation in civil matters , the programme should support the functioning of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters established by council decision 2001 / 470 / ec .


### in certain cases , blocking , limiting of access or redirection without the customer ' s consent to an alternative version of an online interface for reasons related to the customer ' s nationality , place or residence or place of establishment might be necessary in order to ensure compliance with a legal requirement in union law or in the laws of member states in accordance with union law . such laws can limit customers ' access to certain goods or services , for instance by prohibiting the display of specific content in certain member states . traders should not be prevented from complying with such requirements and thus be able to block , limit the access or redirect certain customers or customers in certain territories to an online interface , insofar as that is necessary for that reason . ### in certain cases , blocking , limiting of access or redirection without the customer ' s consent to an alternative version of an online interface for reasons related to the customer ' s nationality , place or residence or place of establishment might be necessary in order to ensure compliance with a legal requirement in union law or in the laws of member states in accordance with union law . such laws can limit customers ' access to certain goods or services , for instance by prohibiting the display of specific content in certain member states . traders should not be prevented from complying with such requirements and thus be able to block , limit the access or redirect certain customers or customers in certain territories to an online interface , insofar as that is necessary for that reason . furthermore , the application of this regulation should not prevent member states from applying their fundamental rules and principles relating to the freedom of press and freedom of expression .


### agreements imposing on traders obligations , in respect of passive sales , to act in violation of this regulation shall be automatically void . ### contractual provisions imposing on traders obligations , in respect of passive sales within the meaning of commission regulation no 330 / 2010 , to act in violation of this regulation shall be automatically null and void .


### agreements imposing on traders obligations , in respect of passive sales , to act in violation of this regulation shall be automatically void . ### agreements imposing on traders obligations , in respect of passive sales within the meaning of commission regulation no 330 / 2010 , to act in violation of this regulation shall be automatically void .


### this regulation shall not affect acts of union law concerning judicial cooperation in civil matters . compliance with this regulation shall not be construed as implying that a trader directs his or her activities to the member state where the consumer has the habitual residence or domicile within the meaning of point of article 6 of regulation no 593 / 2008 and point of article 17 of regulation 1215 / 2012 . ### this regulation shall not affect acts of union law concerning judicial cooperation in civil matters . compliance with this regulation shall not be construed as implying that a trader directs his or her activities to the member state where the consumer has the habitual residence or domicile within the meaning of point of article 6 of regulation no 593 / 2008 and point of article 17 of regulation 1215 / 2012 . in particular , where a trader , in accordance with this regulation ensures access to their online interface for customers regardless of their nationality or place of residence , does not apply different general conditions of access when selling goods or providing services in cases laid down in this regulation or where the trader accepts payments instruments issued in a another member state on a non - discriminatory basis , the trader shall not be considered as directing his or her activities to the member state , where the consumer has the habitual residence or domicile , unless the existence of other additional elements is established , indicating the overall intention of the trader to direct his or her activity to such member state .


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining social inclusion , economic recovery , quality job creation , boosting europe’s cohesion and competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . the programme is not intended as an incentive mechanism but as a support for member states in their reform agenda .


### business environment , private sector development , investment , privatization processes , trade and foreign direct investment , competition and public procurement , sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation ; ### business environment , private sector development , investment , privatization or nationalisation or municipalisation processes , trade and foreign direct investment , competition and public procurement , sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation ;


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to support member states in boosting growth investment and the creation of quality employment through institutional , administrative and growth friendly structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening or establishing institutions , governance , administration in response to economic and social challenges with a view to preserving the european social model and enhancing cohesion , equal opportunities , competitiveness , sustainable growth , jobs , and investment , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . ### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , respect for social partners , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes .


### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’1 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’2 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise . __________________ com700 of 19 october 2010 . 2com500 final of 29 june 2011 . ### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’1 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’2 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust of citizens in the european project and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise , so that proposals are able to be tailored to the specific situation in the requesting member states . __________________ com700 of 19 october 2010 . 2com500 final of 29 june 2011 .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to help member states to boost their growth , their investment , their policies to boost the creation of good jobs , social protection , the fight against social exclusion and their competitiveness by taking measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing citizens’ wellbeing in the context of social economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### support under the programme should be provided by the commission upon request by a member state , in areas such as budget and taxation , public function , institutional and administrative reforms , the justice system , anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering , business environment , private sector development , investment , competition , public procurement , privatization processes , access to finance , investment , trade , sustainable development , innovation , education and training , labour policies , public health , asylum , migration policies , agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies . ### support under the programme should be provided by the commission upon request by a member state , in areas such as budget and taxation , public function , institutional and administrative reforms , the justice system , anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering , business environment , private sector development , investment , competition , public procurement , access to finance , investment , trade , sustainable development , innovation , education and training , labour policies , public health , asylum , migration policies , agriculture and rural development , financial sector policies , the implementation and promotion of community policies and application of union law .


### member states should be able to request support from the commission under the programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular of country specific recommendations in the context of the european semester , to actions related to the implementation of union law , as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes . they should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative , in order to achieve sustainable investment , growth and job creation . ### member states should be able to request support from the commission under the programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular to improve the investment climate through use of european fund for strategic investment , implement country specific recommendations in the context of the european semester , to actions related to the implementation of union law , as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes . they should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative , in order to achieve sustainable investment , growth and job creation , territorial cohesion and social inclusion .


### the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness , growth , jobs and investment , in particular to the following : ### the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to social cohesion , equal opportunities , competitiveness , sustainable growth , jobs and investment , in particular to the following :


### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ; ### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration fostering public goods , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering as well as policies aiming at combating tax evasion ;


### the implementation of reforms by member states , undertaken at their own initiative , notably to achieve sustainable investment , growth and job creation . ### the implementation of reforms by member states , undertaken at their own initiative , notably to achieve sustainable investment , growth and quality job creation , in particular through esif and efsi .


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


### several member states have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth . the union has identified the implementation of structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path , unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity , and support the process of convergence . ### several member states have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth and lack of investment . the union has identified the need for the implementation of growth friendly structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path , unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity , increase investment and support the process of convergence . the european semester should be viewed as a tool to support member states in their reform agenda decided upon at national level .


### member states should be able to request support from the commission under the programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular of country specific recommendations in the context of the european semester , to actions related to the implementation of union law , as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes . they should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative , in order to achieve sustainable investment , growth and job creation . ### member states should be able to request support from the commission under the programme in relation to the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , for example in order to prioritise investment , growth , employment and socially progressive policies , in particular the implementation of country specific recommendations in the context of the european semester , which should take account of those priorities , to actions related to the implementation of union law , as well as in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes . they should also be able to request support in relation to reforms undertaken at their own initiative , in order to achieve sustainable investment , growth and job creation or social inclusion .


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement administrative and structural reforms that promote sustainable long - term growth , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy .


### to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate , develop and implement reform policies and strategies and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors ; ### to support the national authorities to enhance their capacity to formulate , develop and implement reform policies and strategies linked to growth and social well - being and pursue an integrated approach ensuring consistency between goals and means across sectors ;


### these objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary member states ### these objectives shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary member states , in keeping with member states’ priorities and on the basis of dialogue with the social partners .


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining social inclusion , economic recovery , quality job creation , boosting europe’s cohesion and competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . the programme is not intended as an incentive mechanism but as a support for member states in their reform agenda .


### the implementation of reforms by member states , undertaken at their own initiative , notably to achieve sustainable investment , growth and job creation . ### the implementation of reforms by member states , undertaken at their own initiative , notably to achieve economic growth , job creation , rdi and the fight against poverty and social exclusion , including the integration of refugees ;


### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation . ### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation or design errors which should be avoided at all costs ;


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery and job creation , guaranteeing a high level of social security and high - quality health and education services , combating poverty and social exclusion and boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy .


### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation . ### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of growth friendly structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including the inadequate design of reforms , limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation .


### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’1 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’2 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise . __________________ com700 of 19 october 2010 . 2com500 final of 29 june 2011 . ### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’1 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’2 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust of citizens in the european project and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise , so that proposals are able to be tailored to the specific situation in the requesting member states . __________________ com700 of 19 october 2010 . 2com500 final of 29 june 2011 .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to help member states to boost their growth , their investment , their policies to boost the creation of good jobs , social protection , the fight against social exclusion and their competitiveness by taking measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing citizens’ wellbeing in the context of social economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly - specialised knowledge and skills . addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time to materialise . therefore , early and efficient design and implementation is crucial , be it for crisis - struck or structurally - weak economies . in this context , the provision of support by the union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of greece and cyprus in the last years . ### reforms are by their very nature complex processes that require a complete chain of highly - specialised knowledge and skills . addressing structural reforms in a variety of public policy areas is challenging since their benefits often take time to materialise . therefore , early and efficient design and implementation is crucial , including for crisis - struck or structurally - weak economies . in this context , the provision of support by the union in the form of technical assistance has been crucial in supporting the economic adjustment of greece and cyprus in the last years . ownership of structural reforms by members states , including local and regional authorities and the social partners , is essential for the structural reform support programme to be successful .


### education and culture : provide creators and creative industry in europe with access to latest digital technologies from ai to advanced computing . exploit the european cultural heritage as a vector to promote cultural diversity , social cohesion and european citizenship . support the uptake of digital technologies in education . ### education : support the uptake of digital technologies in formal , informal and non - formal education systems , notably the further inclusion of digital skills as well as media literacy and ethical use of digital technologies in all curricula .


### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final ) ### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 while privileging remote areas and the eu poorest regions . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals taking into account criteria such as geographical situation , demographic trends , regional skills forecasts needs and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final )


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


### official eu statistics such as regular ict statistical surveys shall be used to their maximum . national statistical institutes shall be consulted on , and involved together with eurostat , in the initial design and subsequent development of statistical indicators used for monitoring the implementation of the programme and the progress made with regard to digital transformation . ### official eu statistics such as regular ict statistical surveys shall be used to their maximum , as well as collection of desi datasets at nuts - 2 to help address the lack of digital europe related regional data . national statistical institutes shall be consulted on , and involved together with eurostat , in the initial design and subsequent development of statistical indicators used for monitoring the implementation of the programme and the progress made with regard to digital transformation .


### support the design and delivery of short - term trainings and courses for entrepreneurs , small business leaders and the workforce ; ### support the design and delivery of short - term trainings and courses , including blended learning , for entrepreneurs , small business and start - ups leaders and the workforce , as well as citizens of all ages in need of upskilling ;


### education and culture : provide creators and creative industry in europe with access to latest digital technologies from ai to advanced computing . exploit the european cultural heritage as a vector to promote cultural diversity , social cohesion and european citizenship . support the uptake of digital technologies in education . ### education : support the uptake of digital technologies in education , notably the further inclusion of digital skills as well as the use of digital technologies in all curricula .


### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final ) ### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , smes , local start - ups by public organisations and academia taking into account the specific sectorial needs at regional level . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 giving a preference to the poorest region in the eu . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final )


### up to eur 1 998 696 000 for specific objective 3 , cybersecurity and trust ### at least 21% for specific objective 3 , cybersecurity and trust


### up to eur 1 299 152 000for specific objective 5 , deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability ### at least 14% for specific objective 5 , deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability


### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ; ### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable , free or affordable services , with special regard to poor and isolated rural areas ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting equal access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ;


### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all ; ### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , adequately adressing early school leaving , in particular for marginalised and disadvantaged groups , for those in urban , rural and remote areas , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all and accessibility for persons with disabilities ;


### 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 . ### 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 set out in point of article 4 .


### 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 .


### since the objective of this regulation , namely enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and promoting access to quality employment , improving the access to and the quality of education and training , promoting social inclusion and health and reducing poverty as well as the actions under the employment and social innovation and health strands , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states but can rather , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective . ### since the objective of this regulation , namely enhancing the effectiveness and fairness of labour markets and promoting access to quality employment , improving the access to and the quality of education and training , promoting social inclusion and health and reducing poverty as well as the actions under the employment and social innovation and health strands , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states but can rather , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective .


### 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 at least 2% of esf + resources under shared management in each programme for the capacity building of local and regional authorities , social and economic partners and civil society organisations .


### 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 support measures aimed to ease young people’s transition from education to employment . furthermore , the esf + should aim to promote high - quality employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases , marginalised groups , the long - term unemployed and the economically inactive , as well as through encouraging and promoting self–employment , accompanied by specific training programmes , 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 and geared towards individual counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to facilitate workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market , encourage gender equality through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to affordable quality childcare and other care services or support . 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 .


### only actions pursuing the objectives referred to in article 3 and 4 shall be eligible for funding . 2 . the employment and social innovation strand may support the following actions : analytical activities , including in relation to third countries , in particular : surveys , studies , statistical data , methodologies , classifications , micro - simulations , indicators , support to european - level observatories and benchmarks ; social experimentations evaluating social innovations ; monitoring and assessment of the transposition and application of union law ; policy implementation , in particular : cross - border partnerships and support services in cross - border regions ; an eu - wide labour targeted mobility scheme at union level to fill job vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified ; support to microfinance and social enterprises , including through blending operations such as asymmetric risk sharing or reducing transaction costs , as well as support to the development of social infrastructure and skills ; support to transnational cooperation and partnership with a view to transferring and upscaling innovative solutions ; capacity building , in particular : of networks at union level related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; of national contact points providing guidance , information and assistance related the implementation of the strand ; of participating countries administrations , social security institutions and employment services responsible for promoting labour mobility , of microfinance institutions and of institutions providing finance to social enterprises or other social investment actors , as well as networking ; of stakeholders in view of transnational cooperation ; communication and dissemination activities , in particular : mutual learning through exchange of good practices , innovative approaches , results of analytical activities , peer reviews , and benchmarking ; guides , reports , informative material and media coverage of initiatives related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; information systems disseminating evidence related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; council presidency events , conferences and seminars . ### only actions pursuing the objectives referred to in article 3 and 4 shall be eligible for funding . 2 . the employment and social innovation strand may support the following actions : analytical activities , including in relation to third countries , in particular : surveys , studies , statistical data , methodologies , classifications , micro - simulations , indicators , support to european - level observatories and benchmarks ; social experimentations evaluating social innovations ; monitoring and assessment of the transposition and application of union law ; policy implementation , in particular : cross - border partnerships and support services in cross - border regions ; an eu - wide labour targeted mobility scheme at union level to fill job vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified ; support to microfinance and social economy enterprises , including through blending operations such as asymmetric risk sharing or reducing transaction costs , as well as support to the development of social infrastructure and skills ; support to transnational cooperation and partnership with a view to transferring and upscaling innovative solutions ; capacity building , in particular : of networks at union level related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; of national contact points providing guidance , information and assistance related the implementation of the strand ; of participating countries administrations , social security institutions and employment services responsible for promoting labour mobility , of microfinance institutions and of institutions providing finance to social economy enterprises or other social investment actors , as well as networking ; of social partners and stakeholders in view of transnational cooperation ; communication and dissemination activities , in particular : mutual learning through exchange of good practices , innovative approaches , results of analytical activities , peer reviews , and benchmarking ; guides , reports , informative material and media coverage of initiatives related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; information systems disseminating evidence related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the work programme , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities including information technology systems .


### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes . ### member states having a youth unemployment rate and / or 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 least10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions 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 .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant . ### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be developed in partnership between national , regional and local authorities , include a gender perspective and be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added social value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant .


### innovative actions ### innovative actions and integrated territorial development


### 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 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 poverty eradication 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 . member states should allocate at least 4% of their national resources of the social cohesion and social rights 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 .


### promoting women’s labour market participation , a better work / life balance including access to childcare , a healthy and well–adapted working environment addressing health risks , adaptation of workers , enterprises and entrepreneurs to change , and active and healthy ageing ; ### promoting women’s labour market participation , a better work / life balance including equal access to affordable , inclusive and non - segregated quality early childhood education and childcare , and other care services and support , a healthy and well–adapted working environment addressing health risks , adaptation of workers , enterprises and entrepreneurs to change , and active and healthy ageing ;


### if data for these indicators is not collected from data registers , values on these indicators can be determined based on informed estimates by the beneficiary . ### if data for these indicators is not collected from data registers , values on these indicators can be determined based on informed estimates by the beneficiary . data is always provided by participants on a voluntary basis .


### 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 .


### 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 . ### as a main european instrument relating to employment and skills , the esf + should be able to contribute to social , economic and territorial cohesion throughout europe . in order to do so , it should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness , accessibility 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 the social partners , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### promoting socio - economic integration of third country nationals and of marginalised communities such as the roma ; ### fighting all forms of discrimination against , and promoting the socio - economic inclusion of , marginalised communities such as the roma , using an integrated approach across different sectors , thereby combating anti - gypsyism ;


### 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 quality&#160 ; employment of all jobseekers , in particular youth and long - term unemployed , &#160 ; inactive people and disadvantaged groups , promoting employment , self - employment and the social economy ;


### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of member states with one another and with the commission . the european network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . ### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis . the central employment services of member states working with one another , the social partners and the commission should cooperate closely . the european network of employment services , with the involvement of the social partners , should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers under fair conditions and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets . the esf + scope includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling high - quality vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . esf + also covers cross - border partnerships between regional public employment services and the social partners and the work done in the context of those partnerships to foster voluntary , fair mobility and the transparency and integration of cross - border labour markets , through the provision of information , advice and employment services . in many border regions these partnerships play an important role in the development of a genuinely european labour market .


### 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 .


### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 25% of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to fostering social inclusion . ### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 30% of the social cohesion and social rights strand to fostering social inclusion and poverty eradication . that percentage should be complementary to the national resources to address extreme poverty .


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


### 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 , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection , poverty eradication , social 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 , 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 .


### member states shall concentrate the esf + resources under shared management on interventions that address the challenges identified in their national reform programmes , in the european semester as well as in the relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu , and take into account principles and rights set out in the european pillar of social rights . ### member states shall concentrate the esf + resources under shared management on interventions that address the challenges identified in their national reform programmes , in the european semester as well as in the relevant country - specific recommendations adopted , taking into account regional specificities , in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu , and take into account principles and rights set out in the european pillar of social rights , as well as the associated monitoring indicators set out in the ‘ social scoreboard’ . this will contribute to achieving the union’s objectives as set out in article 174 tfeu to strengthen economic , social and territorial cohesion . esf + programmes should also take into account the smart specialisation strategies developed by regional authorities .


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


### the esf + should promote flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , notably digital skills and key enabling technologies , with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation , technological change , innovation and social and economic change , facilitating career transitions , mobility and supporting in particular low - skilled and / or poorly qualified adults , in line with the skills agenda for europe . ### the esf + should promote flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , notably digital skills and key enabling technologies , with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation , technological change , innovation and social and economic change , facilitating career transitions , mobility and supporting in particular low - skilled , persons with disabilities and / or poorly qualified adults , in line with the skills agenda for europe .


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


### 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 , at national , regional and local level , to achieve , through sustainable job creation , high employment levels , fair social protection , social inclusion and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the current and future world of work , in line with the principles and rights set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on 17 november 2017 , thereby contributing to the goals of the union towards the strengthening of economic , social and territorial cohesion .


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


### improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key competences including digital skills ; ### improving the quality , effectiveness , inclusiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , also taking into account the specific needs of people with disabilities , to support acquisition of key competences including transferable , social , digital and media skills , and cultural awareness and expression , in order to reflect social , economic and personal requirements , while recognising the relevance of non - formal and informal learning and the value of cooperation with social partners and civil society ;


### it shall be implemented : ### it shall be implemented in response to member states’ challenges identified through official data and statistics as well as in their national reform programmes , the eu semester and relevant country - specific recommendations :