European Social Fund

About Us

The ESF is one of four EU Structural Funds. The common goal of all of the Funds is to bridge the gap between the wealthier and less well-off regions of Europe by co-financing development programmes. This will reduce the differences between regions and create a better economic and social balance within and between Member States.

The other three Funds are the:

ERDF

The European Regional Development Fund, whose principal objective is to finance construction and infrastructural development for the structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind and economic and social conversion of areas facing structural difficulties.

EAGGF

The European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund, which contributes to the structural reform of the agricultural sector and to the development of rural areas.

FIFG

The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, the specific Fund for the Structural reform of the fisheries sector.


The European Social Fund (ESF) is the main financial instrument through which the European Union translates its strategic employment policy aims into action. Created by the Treaty of Rome, the ESF has invested for over 40 years, in partnership with Member States, in programmes to develop peoples' skills and their potential for work.

Since the last revision in the framework of Agenda 2000, the ESF represents the Union's main financial support to the European Employment Strategy; and has shifted its focus from an essentially training-based programme to a policy-oriented instrument with a wide range of measures to invest in people.

By investing in people - in human capital - particularly in less developed Member States and regions, the Fund is a key driver for economic growth, and contributes to improving and reinforcing economic and social cohesion. ESF Projects that are geared towards human capital investment include activities designed to support lifelong learning, active employment policies and combating social exclusion within the labour market.

 

European Social Fund Unit
EU Affairs Directorate
Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity
310, Palazzo Ferreria
Republic Street,
Valletta, CMR02
Malta.

Telephone: (+356) 2590 3180
Fax: (+356) 2590 3189
E-mail: esf.mfss@gov.mt