The European Commission has published its 2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), highlighting their pivotal role in supporting regions, businesses, and most importantly, people across the EU.
The ESI funds, which include the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative, have been instrumental in driving investment, focusing on long-term regional, economic, and social cohesion.
They have been pivotal in aiding regions and businesses through various challenges, including the green and digital transitions, and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate disasters.
The report includes examples of projects that have benefited from the ESF, including the integrated community services project in Romania, the employment pilot for refugees in Germany, and many more.
Key achievements
- More than 5 million businesses supported;
- 64.5 million people assisted in finding employment and gaining new skills;
- Improved health services for over 63 million people;
- Over 48 000 jobs maintained, and more than 6 500 new jobs created in the fishing and aquaculture sector;
- And much more.
Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit said: ‘The European Social Fund has been crucial in helping people access the labour market, fostering social inclusion, and supporting workers to develop their skills, especially in the context of the green and digital transitions. EU social funds have a direct impact on people’s lives, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive Europe.’
Background
The ESI Funds, the EU budget's largest investment tool, include:
- the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);
- the European Social Fund (ESF);
- the Cohesion Fund (CF);
- the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD); and
- the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
