The European Social Fund Plus
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the European Union’s main instrument for investing in people. With a budget of almost EUR 99.3 billion for the period of 2021-2027, the ESF+ will provide an important contribution to the EU’s employment, social, education and skills policies, including structural reforms in these areas.
The European Commission adopted its new ESF+ Regulation (regulation EU 2021/1057) on 30 June 2021. The new 'simpler but stronger’ version of the existing European Social Fund will concentrate on the challenges identified under the European Semester, in particular in order to meet social and employment challenges following the COVID-19 outbreak and with a strengthened focus on social innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed gains in labour participation, challenged educational and health systems and increased inequalities. The ESF+ will be one of the key EU instruments helping Member States to address these challenges.
ESF+ brings together four funding instruments, originally separated in the 2014-2020 programing period including: the European Social Fund (ESF); the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD); the Youth Employment Initiative; and the European Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI).
ESF+ will aim to strengthen Europe’s social dimension, by putting the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights into practice through 11 specific objectives.
The European Commission’s support in the social economy sphere has been stepped up recently, with the adoption of the Social Economy Action Plan. It aims to help the European social economy thrive, tapping into its economic and job-creation potential, as well as its contribution to a fair and inclusive recovery, and the green and digital transitions.
For further information about ESF+, please visit the ESF+ website.
For preliminary information about financial instruments under the ESF, please consult the fi-compass factsheet on ESF financial instruments.
Recent videos

Workers’ Buyout: new frontiers for the social economy
A Workers’ Buyout happens when employees take over ownership of the company they work for, often to save it from closure or preserve jobs. This video highlights how this approach helps with business succession and job security, featuring real-life stories from across Europe and insights into how cooperatives can support these efforts, showing how Workers’ buyouts can empower employees, strengthen local economies, and offer a sustainable alternative for businesses facing economic hardship.

Microfinance: empowering Europe’s entrepreneurs
Microfinance can help Europe's necessity-driven entrepreneurs and those starting businesses to provide for themselves and their families. With zero-interest loans, no guarantees, and hands-on support, microfinance is unlocking self-employment, creating jobs, and driving social inclusion.
This video explains how Bulgaria and Poland implemented ESF+ financial instruments to support entrepreneurship through microcredit and other tools. It also highlights how programmes like CONFÍA in Spain play a key role to assist women entrepreneurs and other target groups in accessing finance for their businesses.

FI Campus 2024 – Carrying the torch for financial instruments
Check out the standout moments from FI Campus 2024, an event dedicated to financial instruments in the EU. Watch key segments from the conference, including a fireside chat with Commissioner Elisa Ferreira and European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño. Enjoy exclusive interview snippets and get a sneak peek at our Showcase Award 2024 winners. Don't miss these essential highlights!