European Social Fund Plus to have a "budget of over 100 billion euros"

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) - an initiative aimed at creating job opportunities for EU citizens and ensuring social investments for 2021-2027 - will have an estimated budget of over 100 billion euros, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Competencies and Labor Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, said on Thursday in Bucharest, attending a Conference on the subject.

At least a quarter of this budget would be invested in social inclusion, and countries struggling with youth unemployment would invest 10% in youth.

Marianne Thyssen expressed hope that legislation for creation of ESF+ would be adopted by autumn:

EUCommissioner Marianne Thyssen:In recent years, we made progress, but our challenges are far from tackled. This is why I am pleading for a swift adoption of the European Social Fund Plus. We have advanced in the discussions, but they are not over yet. We look forward to the start of talks between the European Parliament and the Council and we aim to adopt the ESF+ Regulation in autumn of this year. We need this fund to train people, to equip them with the skills they need to show solidarity and to support those most in need, but also to build a competitive, sustainable and inclusive society for our citizens.

For Romania, European Commissioner has stated the ESF+ would increase by 17 %.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei