European Social Fund +

Logo: EU funds logo pair for 2021-2027 programming period

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is EU's main instrument for investing in people and supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The ESF+ finances the implementation of the principles from the European Pillar for Social Rights through actions in the areas of employment, education & skills and social inclusion. The ESF+ will support EU policy implementation and national structural reforms in these fields, thus contributing to Member States’ efforts to reduce unemployment, advance quality and equal opportunities in education and training and improve social inclusion and integration.

ESF funding is meant for the following measures:

  • local employment development, including active labour market development and promotion, prevention of long-term unemployment, promoting the integration of long-term unemployed in the labour market, as well as supporting the professional integration of young people;

  • ensuring equality between women and men in the field of employment;

  • promoting equal access to labour market to all, especially focusing on groups at a risk of social exclusion;

  • organizing trainings for the improvement of consulting and education system, in order to promote lifelong learning with the aim to cultivate the creation and education of skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, creating a productive micro-climate for new businesses with new job creation potential, strengthening skills and knowledge, etc.

ESF + Responsible Authorities in Latvia:

  • Ministry of Justice;

  • State Chancellery; 

  • Ministry of Welfare;

  • Ministry of Education and Science;

  • Ministry of Health.