Commission calls for review of ESF implementation
The European Commission's Employment and Social Affairs DG has announced an open call for tenders for a review of the proposed implementation of the new European Social Fund (ESF) regulations across the European Union. Following the restructuring and simplification of the Structural Funds, the new ESF regulation redefines the scope of the fund to support and complement the activities of the Member States, in the context of the European employment strategy (EES) and their national action plans for employment (NAPs). Furthermore, it lays down a common and consistent framework for improving the functioning of the labour market and the development of human resources throughout all 3 Structural Fund objectives. The aim of the exercise is to establish a clear picture of the priorities and content of ESF programmes and support all 3 objectives for 2000 to 2006. The study will help: -assess the way in which ESF programming is underpinning the EES; - support the development of a revised overview report on ESF programmes, in order to establish an information base to support a range of briefing needs and improve the accountability and transparency of ESF across the European Union. The following areas need to be investigated by the contractor: - main priorities for ESF within the 5 policy fields outlined in the regulation - ESF support for the EES and links with NAPs in accordance with the guidelines - other thematic issues.For further information, please contact: European Commission Directorate-General EMPL Unit EMPL/A4 European Social Fund and local development and social economy J27 - 06/96 Rue de la Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels