opinion parliamentary committee draft, 27 February 2026

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing the European Social Fund as part of the National and Regional Partnership Plan set out in Regulation (EU) [NRPPlan] establishing conditions for the implementation of the Union support to quality employment, skills and social inclusion for the period from 2028 to 2034

Document CULT-PA-785225 · (COM(2025)0558 – C100172/2025 – 2025/0239(COD))

Committee on Culture and Education · Rapporteur: Isilda Gomes

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AI:In short

The Committee on Culture and Education proposes amendments to the Commission's proposal for a European Social Fund (ESF) regulation for 2028 to 2034, part of the National and Regional Partnership Plan. The amendments add culture, sport, education, training, youth and media skills to the ESF's scope, and require Member States to spend set shares of their ESF resources on youth employment, education and culture. They also require Member States to involve social partners, civil society, youth organisations and education providers in delivering ESF support, and add new articles on education, youth participation and synergies with Erasmus+.

Position. The Committee on Culture and Education proposes amendments to the Commission's proposal for the ESF regulation, adding culture, sport, education, training and youth to its scope, setting minimum spending shares for youth employment, education and culture, and strengthening the role of social partners, civil society and youth organisations.

Key points

The ESF should support investments in people and reforms in employment, education, training and social inclusion, guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights and its 2030 targets.
The ESF's scope for 2028 to 2034 should be aligned with the Council's employment guidelines and include socio-cultural and cultural activity, skills, sport and culture-based measures.
The European Semester framework should be developed in partnership between national, regional and local authorities and include a gender perspective.
The ESF should support labour market participation of women, young mothers, families in difficulty, young people, persons with disabilities, Roma and other minorities, and entrepreneurship, especially among young people.
The ESF should support inclusive, publicly funded education and training systems, vocational training, lifelong learning, learning mobility, youth, culture, physical activity and sport, and teaching professions.
The ESF should support skills including cultural awareness, digital and media skills, transversal, language and citizenship skills, and basic skills such as numeracy, literacy, science and financial literacy from an early age.
The ESF should support skills development, training, social protection and fair working conditions for cultural and creative professionals, in complementarity with AgoraEU and national measures.
The ESF should ensure sufficient funding for education and skills foundations, lifelong upskilling and reskilling, and synergies with Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, the European Regional Development Fund and AgoraEU.
The ESF should support personalised assistance for unemployed and inactive people, youth employment, prevention of early leaving from education and training, and the reinforced Youth Guarantee.
The ESF should support access to services including healthcare and long-term care, equal opportunities, non-discrimination, poverty reduction, social inclusion, children's rights and the Child Guarantee.
Member States with above-average rates of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment, education or training must allocate at least 12.5% of their ESF shared-management resources to youth employment and vocational education and training.
Member States must allocate at least 20% of their ESF shared-management resources to education and training, and at least 7.5% to culture.

Who is affected

Member States, which must allocate set shares of ESF resources to youth employment, education and culture, and involve partners in delivery.
Social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and education and training providers, which must be involved in managing, programming, monitoring and evaluating ESF activities.
Cultural and creative professionals, who should receive ESF support for skills, training, social protection and fair working conditions.
Young people, especially those not in employment, education or training, who should benefit from youth employment measures and the reinforced Youth Guarantee.
Persons with disabilities, Roma and other minorities, children in poverty and other disadvantaged groups, who should receive targeted ESF support.

Figures and deadlines

At least 78% of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment by 2030.
At least 60% of all adults should participate in training every year by 2030.
At least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 2030, including 5 million children.
The Union labour market will comprise approximately 1 million fewer persons each year between now and 2040.
Member States with above-average rates of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment, education or training must allocate at least 12.5% of their ESF shared-management resources.
Member States must allocate at least 20% of their ESF shared-management resources to education and training.
Member States must allocate at least 7.5% of their ESF shared-management resources to culture.
Committee members and alternates are appointed for a maximum period of seven years.

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Text 157 paragraphs

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Culture and Education submits the following to the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(1) On 17 November 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights was jointly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as a response to social challenges in Europe. The twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; social protection and inclusion. The twenty principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights should guide the actions under the European Social Fund (ESF). On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the ‘Action Plan’), including ambitious yet realistic Union headline targets for 2030 on employment (that at least 78 % of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment), skills (that at least 60 % of all adults should participate in training every year) and poverty reduction (that at least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including 5 million children) (the ‘Union headline targets for 2030’) and complementary sub-targets, as well as a revised Social Scoreboard. In order to contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights the ESF should support investments in people and reforms of the systems in the policy areas of employment, education and social inclusion, thereby supporting economic, territorial and social cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty.	Amendment(1) On 17 November 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights was jointly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as a response to social challenges in Europe. The twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; social protection and inclusion. The twenty principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights should guide the actions under the European Social Fund (ESF). On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the ‘Action Plan’), including ambitious yet realistic Union headline targets for 2030 on employment (that at least 78 % of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment), skills (that at least 60 % of all adults should participate in training every year) and poverty reduction (that at least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including 5 million children) (the ‘Union headline targets for 2030’) and complementary sub-targets, as well as a revised Social Scoreboard. In order to contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights the ESF should support investments in people and reforms of the systems in the policy areas of employment, education and training, and social inclusion, thereby supporting economic, territorial and social cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) On 17 November 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights was jointly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as a response to social challenges in Europe. The twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; social protection and inclusion. The twenty principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights should guide the actions under the European Social Fund (ESF). On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the ‘Action Plan’), including ambitious yet realistic Union headline targets for 2030 on employment (that at least 78 % of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment), skills (that at least 60 % of all adults should participate in training every year) and poverty reduction (that at least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including 5 million children) (the ‘Union headline targets for 2030’) and complementary sub-targets, as well as a revised Social Scoreboard. In order to contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights the ESF should support investments in people and reforms of the systems in the policy areas of employment, education and social inclusion, thereby supporting economic, territorial and social cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty.

(1) On 17 November 2017, the European Pillar of Social Rights was jointly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as a response to social challenges in Europe. The twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; social protection and inclusion. The twenty principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights should guide the actions under the European Social Fund (ESF). On 4 March 2021, the Commission put forward an Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (the ‘Action Plan’), including ambitious yet realistic Union headline targets for 2030 on employment (that at least 78 % of the population aged 20-64 should be in employment), skills (that at least 60 % of all adults should participate in training every year) and poverty reduction (that at least 15 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including 5 million children) (the ‘Union headline targets for 2030’) and complementary sub-targets, as well as a revised Social Scoreboard. In order to contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights the ESF should support investments in people and reforms of the systems in the policy areas of employment, education and training, and social inclusion, thereby supporting economic, territorial and social cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty.

Or. en

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(2) The guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States, as provided for in Article 148(2) of the Treaty, adopted annually by the Council in the context of the European Semester, are a key instrument for coordination of Union and national employment and social policies. They provide common priorities and targets for employment, education, skills and social policies with a view to improving the Union’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest, create jobs and foster social cohesion. The ESF is the Union’s main instrument for supporting the employment guidelines and achieving Union objectives in employment and social policies. The employment guidelines complement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In this context, the scope of the ESF for 2028 to 2034 should be fully aligned with Council Decision (EU) …1 [Employment guidelines adopted by the Council at the latest by 1 January 2027].	Amendment(2) The guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States, as provided for in Article 148(2) of the Treaty, adopted annually by the Council in the context of the European Semester, are a key instrument for coordination of Union and national employment and social policies. They provide common priorities and targets for socio-cultural and cultural activity, employment, education, training, skills, social policies and sport with a view to improving the Union’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest, create jobs and foster social cohesion. The ESF is the Union’s main instrument for supporting the employment guidelines and achieving Union objectives in employment and social policies, for example through culture-based measures. The employment guidelines complement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In this context, the scope of the ESF for 2028 to 2034 should be fully aligned with Council Decision (EU) …1 [Employment guidelines adopted by the Council at the latest by 1 January 2027].
Text proposed by the Commission1 Insert publication reference	Amendment1 Insert publication reference

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) The guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States, as provided for in Article 148(2) of the Treaty, adopted annually by the Council in the context of the European Semester, are a key instrument for coordination of Union and national employment and social policies. They provide common priorities and targets for employment, education, skills and social policies with a view to improving the Union’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest, create jobs and foster social cohesion. The ESF is the Union’s main instrument for supporting the employment guidelines and achieving Union objectives in employment and social policies. The employment guidelines complement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In this context, the scope of the ESF for 2028 to 2034 should be fully aligned with Council Decision (EU) …1 [Employment guidelines adopted by the Council at the latest by 1 January 2027].

(2) The guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States, as provided for in Article 148(2) of the Treaty, adopted annually by the Council in the context of the European Semester, are a key instrument for coordination of Union and national employment and social policies. They provide common priorities and targets for socio-cultural and cultural activity, employment, education, training, skills, social policies and sport with a view to improving the Union’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest, create jobs and foster social cohesion. The ESF is the Union’s main instrument for supporting the employment guidelines and achieving Union objectives in employment and social policies, for example through culture-based measures. The employment guidelines complement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In this context, the scope of the ESF for 2028 to 2034 should be fully aligned with Council Decision (EU) …1 [Employment guidelines adopted by the Council at the latest by 1 January 2027].

1 Insert publication reference

Or. en

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Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States should submit annual progress reports on the implementation of their medium-term fiscal-structural plans. That framework should be the basis for the use of Union funding in a coherent manner, including with a view to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received.	Amendment(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States should submit annual progress reports on the implementation of their medium-term fiscal-structural plans. That framework should be developed in partnership between national, regional and local authorities, should include a gender perspective and should be the basis for the use of Union funding in a coherent manner, including with a view to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States should submit annual progress reports on the implementation of their medium-term fiscal-structural plans. That framework should be the basis for the use of Union funding in a coherent manner, including with a view to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received.

(3) At Union level, the European Semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. Member States should submit annual progress reports on the implementation of their medium-term fiscal-structural plans. That framework should be developed in partnership between national, regional and local authorities, should include a gender perspective and should be the basis for the use of Union funding in a coherent manner, including with a view to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received.

Or. en

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(4) The Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, vulnerable supply chains, the management of migration flows and the increased security threat, the clean energy transition, technological change and demographic change, an ageing workforce, lack of social housing, and growing skills and labour shortages in many sectors and regions.	Amendment(4) The Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, vulnerable supply chains, the management of migration flows and the increased security threat, the clean energy transition, technological and societal change and demographic change, an ageing workforce, housing crisis and lack of social housing, and growing skills and labour shortages in many sectors and regions.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) The Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, vulnerable supply chains, the management of migration flows and the increased security threat, the clean energy transition, technological change and demographic change, an ageing workforce, lack of social housing, and growing skills and labour shortages in many sectors and regions.

(4) The Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, vulnerable supply chains, the management of migration flows and the increased security threat, the clean energy transition, technological and societal change and demographic change, an ageing workforce, housing crisis and lack of social housing, and growing skills and labour shortages in many sectors and regions.

Or. en

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(6) Between now and 2040, the Union labour market will comprise approximately 1 million fewer persons each year. Furthermore, in addition to a shrinking workforce, some regions are affected by a small and stagnant share of the population with tertiary education, making it difficult to compensate for the loss of labour through higher labour productivity. This will increase pressure on the social welfare model of the Union, putting its sustainability and adequacy under pressure. It will also increase labour and skills shortages in the labour market, putting strain on economic growth and competitiveness. For some sectors this will lead to labour cost pressures. This is why the ESF needs to support an increase in participation in the labour market, especially of women and young people, persons with disabilities, Roma communities and to support employers in finding the right people for available jobs, empower older workers with appropriate labour market and workplace measures, ensure a skilled workforce able to tackle major societal challenges, and support a healthy work life balance including by ensuring access to quality childcare.	Amendment(6) Between now and 2040, the Union labour market will comprise approximately 1 million fewer persons each year. Furthermore, in addition to a shrinking workforce, some regions are affected by a small and stagnant share of the population with tertiary education, making it difficult to compensate for the loss of labour through higher labour productivity. This will increase pressure on the social welfare model of the Union, putting its sustainability and adequacy under pressure. It will also increase labour and skills shortages in the labour market, putting strain on economic growth and competitiveness. For some sectors this will lead to labour cost pressures. This is why the ESF needs to support an increase in participation in the labour market, especially of women, with particular focus on young mothers and families in difficulty, and young people, persons with disabilities, Roma communities and other minorities and to support and encourage entrepreneurship, especially among young people, and to support employers in finding the right people for available jobs, empower older workers with appropriate labour market and workplace measures, ensure a skilled workforce able to tackle major societal challenges, and support a healthy work life balance, notably through sport, including by ensuring access of each family to quality childcare and equal access to affordable, inclusive and non-segregated quality early childhood education and other care services and support. Furthermore, there is a need to improve tertiary education outcomes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and in particular to increase the capacity, relevance and attractiveness of STEM programmes for young people.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) Between now and 2040, the Union labour market will comprise approximately 1 million fewer persons each year. Furthermore, in addition to a shrinking workforce, some regions are affected by a small and stagnant share of the population with tertiary education, making it difficult to compensate for the loss of labour through higher labour productivity. This will increase pressure on the social welfare model of the Union, putting its sustainability and adequacy under pressure. It will also increase labour and skills shortages in the labour market, putting strain on economic growth and competitiveness. For some sectors this will lead to labour cost pressures. This is why the ESF needs to support an increase in participation in the labour market, especially of women, with particular focus on young mothers and families in difficulty, and young people, persons with disabilities, Roma communities and other minorities and to support and encourage entrepreneurship, especially among young people, and to support employers in finding the right people for available jobs, empower older workers with appropriate labour market and workplace measures, ensure a skilled workforce able to tackle major societal challenges, and support a healthy work life balance, notably through sport, including by ensuring access of each family to quality childcare and equal access to affordable, inclusive and non-segregated quality early childhood education and other care services and support. Furthermore, there is a need to improve tertiary education outcomes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and in particular to increase the capacity, relevance and attractiveness of STEM programmes for young people.

Or. en

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment(6a) In parallel, the Union faces growing educational inequalities, declining learning outcomes, persistent shortages of qualified teachers, and unequal access to quality education and training, particularly for learners from disadvantaged, rural or marginalised backgrounds. Those challenges undermine social cohesion, democratic participation and long-term competitiveness. The ESF should therefore support inclusive, publicly funded accessible education and training systems, vocational training, lifelong learning, learning mobility, youth and culture, physical activity and sport and the valorisation of teaching professions, and smoother transitions between education, training and employment, in line with the objectives of the European education area and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a) In parallel, the Union faces growing educational inequalities, declining learning outcomes, persistent shortages of qualified teachers, and unequal access to quality education and training, particularly for learners from disadvantaged, rural or marginalised backgrounds. Those challenges undermine social cohesion, democratic participation and long-term competitiveness. The ESF should therefore support inclusive, publicly funded accessible education and training systems, vocational training, lifelong learning, learning mobility, youth and culture, physical activity and sport and the valorisation of teaching professions, and smoother transitions between education, training and employment, in line with the objectives of the European education area and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Or. en

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(7) On 29 January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass. The Compass sets a path for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services, and clean products are invented, manufactured, and put on the market, while being the first continent to become climate neutral. It recognises five horizontal enablers for competitiveness, including promoting skills and quality jobs, and highlights that the foundation of Europe’s competitiveness is its people. To be competitive and prepared for the future, the Union needs to support and prepare its people with the skills and competences needed for success in learning, work, and life.	Amendment(7) On 29 January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass. The Compass sets a path for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services, and clean products are invented, manufactured, and put on the market, while being the first continent to become climate neutral. It recognises five horizontal enablers for competitiveness, including promoting skills and quality jobs, and highlights that the foundation of Europe’s competitiveness is its people. To be competitive and prepared for the future, the Union needs to support and prepare its people with the skills and competences needed for success in learning, work, and life, such as cultural awareness and expression skills, digital and media skills, including in relation to data protection and information governance, transversal skills, language skills and citizenship skills.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) On 29 January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass. The Compass sets a path for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services, and clean products are invented, manufactured, and put on the market, while being the first continent to become climate neutral. It recognises five horizontal enablers for competitiveness, including promoting skills and quality jobs, and highlights that the foundation of Europe’s competitiveness is its people. To be competitive and prepared for the future, the Union needs to support and prepare its people with the skills and competences needed for success in learning, work, and life.

Or. en

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(8) In addition, on 26 February 2025 the Commission adopted the Communication “The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation”. It is vital to recognise the critical role of skills in facilitating a successful transition to a cleaner and more competitive industrial future within the Union. Developing a highly skilled workforce is essential for driving innovation and advancing decarbonisation and circularity across vital industries. This focus on skill enhancement is crucial for achieving the Union’s objectives of a just transition and for sustaining and enhancing the Union’s global competitiveness. Furthermore, access to environmental resources and their benefits is unequally distributed across society, as are environmental hazards and health risks. It is more likely to fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups.	Amendment(8) In addition, on 26 February 2025 the Commission adopted the Communication “The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation”. It is vital to recognise the critical role of skills including transferable, social, digital and media skills, and cultural awareness and expression, in order to reflect social, economic and personal requirements, while taking into account the relevance of non-formal and informal learning and the value of cooperation with social partners and civil society in facilitating a successful transition to a cleaner and more social, inclusive and competitive industrial future within the Union while also taking into account the specific needs of people with disabilities. Developing a highly skilled workforce is essential for driving innovation and advancing decarbonisation and circularity across vital industries. This focus on skill enhancement is crucial for achieving the Union’s objectives of a just transition and for sustaining and enhancing the Union’s global competitiveness. Furthermore, access to environmental resources and their benefits is unequally distributed across society, as are environmental hazards and health risks. It is more likely to fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups. It is therefore essential to strengthen basic skills, and in particular the acquisition of numeracy, literacy, science, digital, citizenship and financial literacy skills from early age and throughout all levels of education with particular attention to socio-economically disadvantaged groups and persons with disabilities. At the same time, it is important to ensure sufficient incentives for the attractiveness of the teaching profession, especially for STEM subjects.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) In addition, on 26 February 2025 the Commission adopted the Communication “The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation”. It is vital to recognise the critical role of skills in facilitating a successful transition to a cleaner and more competitive industrial future within the Union. Developing a highly skilled workforce is essential for driving innovation and advancing decarbonisation and circularity across vital industries. This focus on skill enhancement is crucial for achieving the Union’s objectives of a just transition and for sustaining and enhancing the Union’s global competitiveness. Furthermore, access to environmental resources and their benefits is unequally distributed across society, as are environmental hazards and health risks. It is more likely to fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups.

(8) In addition, on 26 February 2025 the Commission adopted the Communication “The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation”. It is vital to recognise the critical role of skills including transferable, social, digital and media skills, and cultural awareness and expression, in order to reflect social, economic and personal requirements, while taking into account the relevance of non-formal and informal learning and the value of cooperation with social partners and civil society in facilitating a successful transition to a cleaner and more social, inclusive and competitive industrial future within the Union while also taking into account the specific needs of people with disabilities. Developing a highly skilled workforce is essential for driving innovation and advancing decarbonisation and circularity across vital industries. This focus on skill enhancement is crucial for achieving the Union’s objectives of a just transition and for sustaining and enhancing the Union’s global competitiveness. Furthermore, access to environmental resources and their benefits is unequally distributed across society, as are environmental hazards and health risks. It is more likely to fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups. It is therefore essential to strengthen basic skills, and in particular the acquisition of numeracy, literacy, science, digital, citizenship and financial literacy skills from early age and throughout all levels of education with particular attention to socio-economically disadvantaged groups and persons with disabilities. At the same time, it is important to ensure sufficient incentives for the attractiveness of the teaching profession, especially for STEM subjects.

Or. en

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment(8a) Culture is a fundamental public good and a driver of economic and social development, social inclusion, democratic participation and social cohesion, while also contributing to democratic resilience and to the promotion and preservation of European cultural and linguistic diversity. The cultural and creative sectors contribute significantly to employment, innovation and regional and local development, yet remain characterised by structural precariousness. Within its scope, the ESF should support skills development, training, social protection and fair working conditions for cultural and creative professionals, in complementarity with AgoraEU and national measures.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a) Culture is a fundamental public good and a driver of economic and social development, social inclusion, democratic participation and social cohesion, while also contributing to democratic resilience and to the promotion and preservation of European cultural and linguistic diversity. The cultural and creative sectors contribute significantly to employment, innovation and regional and local development, yet remain characterised by structural precariousness. Within its scope, the ESF should support skills development, training, social protection and fair working conditions for cultural and creative professionals, in complementarity with AgoraEU and national measures.

Or. en

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(9) The Union of Skills aims to support the development of quality, inclusive, and adaptable education, training and skills systems to increase the Union’s competitiveness, preparedness, security and democracy. Therefore, in line with the Union of Skills, the Union should ensure sufficient funding to build solid skills foundations and promote lifelong and future-oriented upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, in particular to address the challenges of the digital and green transitions. This will contribute to notably digital skills and key enabling technologies but also , skills to support emerging sectors, with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation, technologically and innovation-driven changes, social and economic change, facilitating career transitions, mobility and supporting in particular low-skilled or poorly qualified adults. In line with the Union of Skills, the challenges of the digital and green transitions need to be addressed by upskilling and reskilling workers, aligning education with industry needs, and fostering partnerships among educational institutions, employers, and public authorities. It is also necessary to enhance circulation and adequate allocation of skills in the internal market, including through easier skills portability, and be able to attract and retain skills in the EU.	Amendment(9) The Union of Skills aims to support the development of high quality, inclusive, accessible and flexible education, training and skills systems to increase the Union’s competitiveness, preparedness, security and democracy. Therefore, in line with the Union of Skills, the Union should ensure sufficient funding to build solid education and skills foundations and promote lifelong and future-oriented upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, in particular to address the challenges of the digital and green transitions. This will contribute to notably digital skills and key enabling technologies but also , skills to support emerging sectors, with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation, technologically and innovation-driven changes, social and economic change, facilitating career transitions, mobility and supporting in particular low-skilled or poorly qualified adults. In line with the Union of Skills, the challenges of the digital and green transitions need to be addressed by upskilling and reskilling workers, aligning education with industry needs, and fostering partnerships among educational institutions, employers, and public authorities. While upskilling and reskilling of workers are primarily the responsibility of employers, support from the ESF remains crucial. It is also necessary to enhance circulation and adequate allocation of skills in the internal market, including through easier skills portability, and be able to attract and retain skills in the EU, including through formal, non-formal and informal learning, with particular attention to young people and vulnerable groups.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9) The Union of Skills aims to support the development of quality, inclusive, and adaptable education, training and skills systems to increase the Union’s competitiveness, preparedness, security and democracy. Therefore, in line with the Union of Skills, the Union should ensure sufficient funding to build solid skills foundations and promote lifelong and future-oriented upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, in particular to address the challenges of the digital and green transitions. This will contribute to notably digital skills and key enabling technologies but also , skills to support emerging sectors, with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation, technologically and innovation-driven changes, social and economic change, facilitating career transitions, mobility and supporting in particular low-skilled or poorly qualified adults. In line with the Union of Skills, the challenges of the digital and green transitions need to be addressed by upskilling and reskilling workers, aligning education with industry needs, and fostering partnerships among educational institutions, employers, and public authorities. It is also necessary to enhance circulation and adequate allocation of skills in the internal market, including through easier skills portability, and be able to attract and retain skills in the EU.

(9) The Union of Skills aims to support the development of high quality, inclusive, accessible and flexible education, training and skills systems to increase the Union’s competitiveness, preparedness, security and democracy. Therefore, in line with the Union of Skills, the Union should ensure sufficient funding to build solid education and skills foundations and promote lifelong and future-oriented upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, in particular to address the challenges of the digital and green transitions. This will contribute to notably digital skills and key enabling technologies but also , skills to support emerging sectors, with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation, technologically and innovation-driven changes, social and economic change, facilitating career transitions, mobility and supporting in particular low-skilled or poorly qualified adults. In line with the Union of Skills, the challenges of the digital and green transitions need to be addressed by upskilling and reskilling workers, aligning education with industry needs, and fostering partnerships among educational institutions, employers, and public authorities. While upskilling and reskilling of workers are primarily the responsibility of employers, support from the ESF remains crucial. It is also necessary to enhance circulation and adequate allocation of skills in the internal market, including through easier skills portability, and be able to attract and retain skills in the EU, including through formal, non-formal and informal learning, with particular attention to young people and vulnerable groups.

Or. en

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment(9a) Education and training are rights and should be available to all. Furthermore, education, training and youth policies are central to quality employment, social inclusion and competitiveness. In that context, stronger structural synergies between Erasmus+, including the European Solidarity Corps, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and AgoraEU and the ESF are crucial, particularly to support inclusive mobility and learning, to upscale innovative practices, skills development, teacher training, youth participation, sport and creative activities and youth participation and culture. Moreover, policy coherence and complementarity between Erasmus+ and the ESF should ensure adequate support to design and implement measures such as learning mobility for disadvantaged learners, particularly young people in vulnerable situations, adult learners and persons with disabilities or chronic diseases, in order to properly prepare them for mobility experiences abroad and increase their participation in Erasmus+.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a) Education and training are rights and should be available to all. Furthermore, education, training and youth policies are central to quality employment, social inclusion and competitiveness. In that context, stronger structural synergies between Erasmus+, including the European Solidarity Corps, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and AgoraEU and the ESF are crucial, particularly to support inclusive mobility and learning, to upscale innovative practices, skills development, teacher training, youth participation, sport and creative activities and youth participation and culture. Moreover, policy coherence and complementarity between Erasmus+ and the ESF should ensure adequate support to design and implement measures such as learning mobility for disadvantaged learners, particularly young people in vulnerable situations, adult learners and persons with disabilities or chronic diseases, in order to properly prepare them for mobility experiences abroad and increase their participation in Erasmus+.

Or. en

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(11) Efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the NRP Plan, including the ESF, depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio-economic actors, in particular the social partners and civil society organisations.	Amendment(11) Efficient and effective implementation and monitoring of actions supported by the NRP Plan, including the ESF, depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio-economic actors, in particular the social partners and civil society organisations.

Or. en

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(13) The ESF should support employment, equal access for all to the labour market, fair and quality working conditions and labour mobility. The ESF should support Member States in providing support to unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job searches, training, up- and reskilling and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to people in vulnerable situations and people negatively affected by the green and digital transitions or labour market shocks, as well as those furthest away from the labour market. The ESF should continue to focus on youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) through the prevention of early leaving from education and training, and structural improvement of the school-to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee, which should also support quality youth employment opportunities. In addition, the ESF should continue to invest in skills crucial for the green and digital transitions.	Amendment(13) The ESF should support employment, equal access for all to the labour market, fair and quality working conditions and labour mobility. The ESF should support Member States in providing personalised support to unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job searches, training, up- and reskilling and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to people in vulnerable situations and people negatively affected by the green and digital transitions or labour market shocks, as well as those furthest away from the labour market. The ESF should continue to focus on youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) through the prevention of early leaving from education and training and social exclusion, structural improvement of the school-to-quality employment transition, reinforcing links with non-formal and informal learning, in particular in the field of arts, and support youth-focused measures such as prevention of mental health issues, psychosocial support, quality education and training pathways in coherence with the European Youth Strategy and the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee, which should also support quality youth employment opportunities, taking into account the gender perspective and paying special attention to minorities and other vulnerable groups. Special attention should be paid to early childhood education as the early years are the most formative in human life and they greatly influence people's education, employment and integration prospects. In addition, the ESF should continue to invest in skills crucial for the green and digital transitions.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13) The ESF should support employment, equal access for all to the labour market, fair and quality working conditions and labour mobility. The ESF should support Member States in providing personalised support to unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job searches, training, up- and reskilling and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to people in vulnerable situations and people negatively affected by the green and digital transitions or labour market shocks, as well as those furthest away from the labour market. The ESF should continue to focus on youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) through the prevention of early leaving from education and training and social exclusion, structural improvement of the school-to-quality employment transition, reinforcing links with non-formal and informal learning, in particular in the field of arts, and support youth-focused measures such as prevention of mental health issues, psychosocial support, quality education and training pathways in coherence with the European Youth Strategy and the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee, which should also support quality youth employment opportunities, taking into account the gender perspective and paying special attention to minorities and other vulnerable groups. Special attention should be paid to early childhood education as the early years are the most formative in human life and they greatly influence people's education, employment and integration prospects. In addition, the ESF should continue to invest in skills crucial for the green and digital transitions.

Or. en

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(14) The ESF should enhance labour supply and improve education and training and lifelong acquisition of skills. In particular, the ESF should help progression within education and training and transition to work, support lifelong learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning that takes place at all stages in life and employability, and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields. This could be achieved for example through work-based learning and apprenticeships, lifelong guidance, skills anticipation in cooperation with industry, up-to-date training materials, forecasting and graduate tracking, training of educators, validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications.	Amendment(14) The ESF should enhance labour supply and improve education and training and lifelong acquisition of skills. In particular, the ESF should help progression within education and training and transition to work, support lifelong learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning that takes place at all stages in life, including early childhood education and care, general education, vocational education, and adult education, in order to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes and participation in society in a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment related perspective, including through the provision of counselling and guidance services, and employability, and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields. This could be achieved for example through work-based learning and apprenticeships, lifelong guidance, skills anticipation in cooperation with industry, up-to-date training materials, forecasting and graduate tracking, training of educators, validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14) The ESF should enhance labour supply and improve education and training and lifelong acquisition of skills. In particular, the ESF should help progression within education and training and transition to work, support lifelong learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning that takes place at all stages in life, including early childhood education and care, general education, vocational education, and adult education, in order to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes and participation in society in a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment related perspective, including through the provision of counselling and guidance services, and employability, and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields. This could be achieved for example through work-based learning and apprenticeships, lifelong guidance, skills anticipation in cooperation with industry, up-to-date training materials, forecasting and graduate tracking, training of educators, validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications.

Or. en

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(15) The ESF should facilitate access to services, including the strengthening of the modernisation, digitalisation and the resilience of both healthcare and long-term care services. The ESF should support Member States in implementing measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented in the labour market, ensuring equal access to services. The availability of affordable, sustainable and high-quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, and health and long-term care, in particular family and community-based care services, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities and labour mobility. The ESF should ensure that everyone, including children in line with the European Child Guarantee, have access to essential services of good quality. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services as well as independent living. The ESF should also contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility.	Amendment(15) The ESF should facilitate access to services, including the strengthening of the modernisation, digitalisation and the resilience of both healthcare and long-term care services. The ESF should support Member States in implementing measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and poverty and ensure equal opportunities and access to formal and non-formal quality education and training for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented in the labour market, ensuring equal access to services. The availability of affordable, sustainable and high-quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, and health and long-term care, in particular family and community-based care services, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities and labour mobility. The ESF should ensure that everyone, including children in line with the European Child Guarantee, have access to essential services of good quality. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services as well as independent living. The ESF should also contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility in accordance with Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as ratified by the Union and its Member States.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15) The ESF should facilitate access to services, including the strengthening of the modernisation, digitalisation and the resilience of both healthcare and long-term care services. The ESF should support Member States in implementing measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented in the labour market, ensuring equal access to services. The availability of affordable, sustainable and high-quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, and health and long-term care, in particular family and community-based care services, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities and labour mobility. The ESF should ensure that everyone, including children in line with the European Child Guarantee, have access to essential services of good quality. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services as well as independent living. The ESF should also contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility.

(15) The ESF should facilitate access to services, including the strengthening of the modernisation, digitalisation and the resilience of both healthcare and long-term care services. The ESF should support Member States in implementing measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and poverty and ensure equal opportunities and access to formal and non-formal quality education and training for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented in the labour market, ensuring equal access to services. The availability of affordable, sustainable and high-quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of-school care, education, training, and health and long-term care, in particular family and community-based care services, is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities and labour mobility. The ESF should ensure that everyone, including children in line with the European Child Guarantee, have access to essential services of good quality. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services as well as independent living. The ESF should also contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility in accordance with Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as ratified by the Union and its Member States.

Or. en

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(16) Support through the ESF should be used to promote equal opportunities for all, to support strong social safety nets, foster social inclusion, intergenerational fairness and fight poverty. The ESF should support Member States’ efforts to tackle poverty, including by addressing material deprivation, with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all, tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities. This implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age, including children in poverty, marginalised communities such as the Roma, the working poor and the most deprived. The ESF should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio-economic integration. The ESF should also tackle homelessness, including with prevention and alleviation measures in line with the Lisbon declaration of 2021. Support to social innovation plays an important role in achieving these objectives and should therefore be promoted.	Amendment(16) Support through the ESF should be used to promote equal opportunities for all, to support strong social safety nets, foster social inclusion, intergenerational fairness and fight poverty. The ESF should support Member States’ efforts to tackle poverty, including by addressing material deprivation, with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all, tackling social exclusion discrimination and addressing health inequalities. This implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age, including children in poverty, marginalised communities such as the Roma, the working poor and the most deprived. The ESF should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio-economic integration, in particular through educational and cultural projects. The potential of sport as a tool for social inclusion should be fully recognised and further exploited. The ESF should also tackle homelessness, including with prevention and alleviation measures in line with the Lisbon declaration of 2021. Support to social innovation plays an important role in achieving these objectives and should therefore be promoted.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16) Support through the ESF should be used to promote equal opportunities for all, to support strong social safety nets, foster social inclusion, intergenerational fairness and fight poverty. The ESF should support Member States’ efforts to tackle poverty, including by addressing material deprivation, with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all, tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities. This implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age, including children in poverty, marginalised communities such as the Roma, the working poor and the most deprived. The ESF should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio-economic integration. The ESF should also tackle homelessness, including with prevention and alleviation measures in line with the Lisbon declaration of 2021. Support to social innovation plays an important role in achieving these objectives and should therefore be promoted.

(16) Support through the ESF should be used to promote equal opportunities for all, to support strong social safety nets, foster social inclusion, intergenerational fairness and fight poverty. The ESF should support Member States’ efforts to tackle poverty, including by addressing material deprivation, with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all, tackling social exclusion discrimination and addressing health inequalities. This implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age, including children in poverty, marginalised communities such as the Roma, the working poor and the most deprived. The ESF should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio-economic integration, in particular through educational and cultural projects. The potential of sport as a tool for social inclusion should be fully recognised and further exploited. The ESF should also tackle homelessness, including with prevention and alleviation measures in line with the Lisbon declaration of 2021. Support to social innovation plays an important role in achieving these objectives and should therefore be promoted.

Or. en

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(20) Due to the particular need to support children in poverty Member States should also programme resources of the ESF to address the measures under the Child Guarantee.	Amendment(20) Moreover, in light of the persistently high levels of child poverty and social exclusion in the Union, the ESF should support actions promoting effective interventions that contribute to the realisation of children’s rights, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as the Child Guarantee. Due to the particular need to support children in poverty Member States should also programme resources of the ESF to address the measures under the Child Guarantee.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20) Due to the particular need to support children in poverty Member States should also programme resources of the ESF to address the measures under the Child Guarantee.

(20) Moreover, in light of the persistently high levels of child poverty and social exclusion in the Union, the ESF should support actions promoting effective interventions that contribute to the realisation of children’s rights, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as the Child Guarantee. Due to the particular need to support children in poverty Member States should also programme resources of the ESF to address the measures under the Child Guarantee.

Or. en

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 22

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(22) In light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of Member States and regions, in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment, nor in education or training, it is necessary that those Member States continue to invest sufficient resources of the ESF towards measures to promote youth employment, including through the implementation of the Youth Guarantee. Member States should therefore allocate an appropriate amount of resources to this challenge. Member States seriously affected by youth unemployment should allocate resources of the ESF to support youth employability.	Amendment(22) In light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of Member States and regions, in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment, nor in education or training, it is necessary that those Member States continue to invest sufficient resources of the ESF towards measures to promote youth employment, including through the implementation of the Youth Guarantee. Member States should therefore allocate an appropriate amount of resources to this challenge. Member States seriously affected by youth unemployment should ensure education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people, especially NEETs by prioritising, where relevant, long-term unemployed, inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work, formal and non-formal learning and allocate resources of the ESF to support youth employability.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22) In light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of Member States and regions, in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment, nor in education or training, it is necessary that those Member States continue to invest sufficient resources of the ESF towards measures to promote youth employment, including through the implementation of the Youth Guarantee. Member States should therefore allocate an appropriate amount of resources to this challenge. Member States seriously affected by youth unemployment should allocate resources of the ESF to support youth employability.

(22) In light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of Member States and regions, in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment, nor in education or training, it is necessary that those Member States continue to invest sufficient resources of the ESF towards measures to promote youth employment, including through the implementation of the Youth Guarantee. Member States should therefore allocate an appropriate amount of resources to this challenge. Member States seriously affected by youth unemployment should ensure education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people, especially NEETs by prioritising, where relevant, long-term unemployed, inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work, formal and non-formal learning and allocate resources of the ESF to support youth employability.

Or. en

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(23) Efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the ESF depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio-economic actors, in particular the social partners and civil society. It is therefore essential that Member States encourage the participation of social partners and civil society in the implementation of the ESF. Member States that have received a country-specific recommendation in this area should allocate resources of the ESF to promote the capacity building of social partners and civil society organisations.]	Amendment(23) Efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the ESF depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio-economic actors, in particular the social partners and civil society. It is therefore essential that Member States encourage the meaningful and inclusive participation of local and regional social partners and civil society organisations in the management, programming, monitoring implementation and evaluation of activities and policies supported by the ESF. Member States that have received a country-specific recommendation in this area should allocate resources of the ESF to promote the capacity building of social partners and civil society organisations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23) Efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the ESF depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio-economic actors, in particular the social partners and civil society. It is therefore essential that Member States encourage the participation of social partners and civil society in the implementation of the ESF. Member States that have received a country-specific recommendation in this area should allocate resources of the ESF to promote the capacity building of social partners and civil society organisations.]

(23) Efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the ESF depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio-economic actors, in particular the social partners and civil society. It is therefore essential that Member States encourage the meaningful and inclusive participation of local and regional social partners and civil society organisations in the management, programming, monitoring implementation and evaluation of activities and policies supported by the ESF. Member States that have received a country-specific recommendation in this area should allocate resources of the ESF to promote the capacity building of social partners and civil society organisations.

Or. en

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(25) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and promoting access to quality employment, improving access to and the quality of education and training, promoting social inclusion and health and reducing poverty cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective	Amendment(25) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and promoting fair and inclusive societies and access to quality employment, improving equal access to and the quality of education and training, promoting social inclusion and health, reducing poverty and contributing to the fulfilment of the commitment of the Union and its Member States to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary Tin order to achieve that objective

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and promoting access to quality employment, improving access to and the quality of education and training, promoting social inclusion and health and reducing poverty cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective

(25) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and promoting fair and inclusive societies and access to quality employment, improving equal access to and the quality of education and training, promoting social inclusion and health, reducing poverty and contributing to the fulfilment of the commitment of the Union and its Member States to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary Tin order to achieve that objective

Or. en

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(1) The European Social Fund (ESF) shall support the specific objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan Regulation].	Amendment(1) The European Social Fund (ESF) shall support the specific objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan Regulation]. Within those objectives, the ESF shall support actions in the fields of quality and inclusive education, training, lifelong learning, investment in children and young people, as well as their families, by supporting the use of innovative measures, including social inclusion through sport, physical activity and culture, and through the validation of non-formal and informal learning, insofar as they contribute to social inclusion, equal opportunities, democratic participation and quality employment and competitiveness.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) The European Social Fund (ESF) shall support the specific objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan Regulation].

(1) The European Social Fund (ESF) shall support the specific objectives set out in Article 3 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan Regulation]. Within those objectives, the ESF shall support actions in the fields of quality and inclusive education, training, lifelong learning, investment in children and young people, as well as their families, by supporting the use of innovative measures, including social inclusion through sport, physical activity and culture, and through the validation of non-formal and informal learning, insofar as they contribute to social inclusion, equal opportunities, democratic participation and quality employment and competitiveness.

Or. en

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentArticle 2a
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentMember States that have an average rate above the Union average of young people of 15 to 29 years of age who are not in employment, education or training shall allocate at least 12,5 % of their resources of the ESF strand under shared management to support targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment, vocational education and training, in particular apprenticeships, and the transition from school to work, pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education, in particular in the context of implementing schemes under the Youth Guarantee.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 2a

Member States that have an average rate above the Union average of young people of 15 to 29 years of age who are not in employment, education or training shall allocate at least 12,5 % of their resources of the ESF strand under shared management to support targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment, vocational education and training, in particular apprenticeships, and the transition from school to work, pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education, in particular in the context of implementing schemes under the Youth Guarantee.

Or. en

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentArticle 2b
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentMember States shall allocate at least 20% of their resources under the ESF strand under shared management to support targeted actions and structural reforms aimed at strengthening formal, non-formal and informal education and training. Such allocation shall contribute to improving access to quality and inclusive education and training at all levels, enhancing lifelong learning opportunities, promoting the acquisition of basic and advanced skills, including digital and green skills, and supporting upskilling and reskilling pathways in line with labour market and societal needs.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 2b

Member States shall allocate at least 20% of their resources under the ESF strand under shared management to support targeted actions and structural reforms aimed at strengthening formal, non-formal and informal education and training. Such allocation shall contribute to improving access to quality and inclusive education and training at all levels, enhancing lifelong learning opportunities, promoting the acquisition of basic and advanced skills, including digital and green skills, and supporting upskilling and reskilling pathways in line with labour market and societal needs.

Or. en

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentArticle 2c
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentMember States shall allocate at least 7.5 % of their resources under the ESF strand under shared management to support targeted actions and structural reforms in the field of culture. Such allocation shall contribute to promoting access to culture for all, fostering cultural participation and inclusion, supporting cultural and creative sectors and industries, strengthening cultural heritage, and enhancing the role of culture in social cohesion, education, innovation and sustainable development.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 2c

Member States shall allocate at least 7.5 % of their resources under the ESF strand under shared management to support targeted actions and structural reforms in the field of culture. Such allocation shall contribute to promoting access to culture for all, fostering cultural participation and inclusion, supporting cultural and creative sectors and industries, strengthening cultural heritage, and enhancing the role of culture in social cohesion, education, innovation and sustainable development.

Or. en

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(1) Social innovation shall be supported in the areas falling within the scope of the ESF, in particular with the aim of testing, evaluating and scaling up innovative solutions, including at the local or regional level, in order to address social needs in partnership with the relevant partners and, in particular, social partners.	Amendment(1) Social innovation shall be supported in the areas falling within the scope of the ESF, in particular with the aim of testing, evaluating and scaling up innovative solutions, including at the local or regional level, in order to address social needs, including actions with a socio-cultural component and in particular addressing educational inequalities, access to culture, youth participation and sport, media literacy and democratic engagement, in partnership with the relevant partners and, in particular, social partners and youth organisations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) Social innovation shall be supported in the areas falling within the scope of the ESF, in particular with the aim of testing, evaluating and scaling up innovative solutions, including at the local or regional level, in order to address social needs, including actions with a socio-cultural component and in particular addressing educational inequalities, access to culture, youth participation and sport, media literacy and democratic engagement, in partnership with the relevant partners and, in particular, social partners and youth organisations.

Or. en

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(2) The Commission shall use technical assistance at its own initiative, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Plan Regulation] to facilitate capacity building for social innovation, in particular through supporting mutual learning, transnational cooperation, establishing networks, and disseminating and promoting good practices and methodologies.	Amendment(2) The Commission shall use technical assistance at its own initiative, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Plan Regulation] to facilitate capacity building for social innovation, including cultural innovation, in particular through supporting mutual learning, transnational cooperation, establishing networks, and disseminating and promoting good practices and methodologies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) The Commission shall use technical assistance at its own initiative, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Plan Regulation] to facilitate capacity building for social innovation, in particular through supporting mutual learning, transnational cooperation, establishing networks, and disseminating and promoting good practices and methodologies.

(2) The Commission shall use technical assistance at its own initiative, in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) [NRP Plan Regulation] to facilitate capacity building for social innovation, including cultural innovation, in particular through supporting mutual learning, transnational cooperation, establishing networks, and disseminating and promoting good practices and methodologies.

Or. en

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentArticle 4a
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentEducation, training and lifelong learning
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentThe ESF shall support inclusive and accessible quality education and training systems, in particular for disadvantaged groups, from early childhood education and care, through vocational education and training, adult learning and lifelong learning. Actions shall promote equal access, recognition of learning outcomes, learner-centred upskilling and reskilling, teacher training, and the development of transversal skills such as critical thinking, digital skills, including in the field of artificial intelligence,, and media literacy. In addition, actions shall include strengthening basic skills, and in particular the acquisition of numeracy, literacy, science, citizenship skills and financial literacy, arts and engineering (STEAM,; as well as intercultural, artistic and creative skills.

Or. en

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentArticle 4b
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentYouth participation and empowerment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentThe ESF shall support measures strengthening youth employment, in particular through the implementation of a reinforced Youth Guarantee, improving access to quality and inclusive education and training, including through the validation of non-formal and informal learning, supporting the acquisition of key competences such as digital skills, cultural competences and media literacy, and fostering youth participation in democratic life.

Or. en

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentArticle 4c
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentSynergies between the ESF and Erasmus+
Text proposed by the Commission	AmendmentSynergies and a more structured approach shall be encouraged between the ESF and Erasmus+, which involves combining funds to enhance educational and training opportunities for vulnerable groups, promote their social inclusion, and support youth employment.

Or. en

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionMember States shall ensure meaningful participation of the social partners and civil society organisations in the delivery of support for quality employment, education and skills and social inclusion policies in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan].	AmendmentMember States shall ensure meaningful participation of the social partners and civil society organisations, youth organisations and education and training providers in the delivery of support for quality employment with good working conditions, education and skills and social inclusion policies, in particular by means of culture- and sport-based measures, reintegration into education and work, healthcare and long-term care, wider access to culture, and education and training, with a focus on young people not in employment, education or training and long-term unemployed minorities, migrants and people with disabilities in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan].

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Member States shall ensure meaningful participation of the social partners and civil society organisations in the delivery of support for quality employment, education and skills and social inclusion policies in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan].

Member States shall ensure meaningful participation of the social partners and civil society organisations, youth organisations and education and training providers in the delivery of support for quality employment with good working conditions, education and skills and social inclusion policies, in particular by means of culture- and sport-based measures, reintegration into education and work, healthcare and long-term care, wider access to culture, and education and training, with a focus on young people not in employment, education or training and long-term unemployed minorities, migrants and people with disabilities in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation XX [NRP Plan].

Or. en

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Text proposed by the Commission(2) Each Member State shall appoint one government representative, one representative of the workers’ organisations, one representative of the employers’ organisations and one alternate for each member for a maximum period of seven years. In the absence of a member, the alternate shall be automatically entitled to take part in the proceedings. The Committee shall also include one representative from each of the organizations representing workers’ organisations and employers’ organisations at Union level.	Amendment(2) Each Member State shall appoint one government representative, one representative of the workers’ organisations, one representative of the employers’ organisations, one representative of national youth organisations, one representative of national education and training providers and one alternate for each member for a maximum period of seven years. In the absence of a member, the alternate shall be automatically entitled to take part in the proceedings. The Committee shall also include one representative from each of the organizations representing workers’ organisations and employers’ organisations at Union level.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) Each Member State shall appoint one government representative, one representative of the workers’ organisations, one representative of the employers’ organisations and one alternate for each member for a maximum period of seven years. In the absence of a member, the alternate shall be automatically entitled to take part in the proceedings. The Committee shall also include one representative from each of the organizations representing workers’ organisations and employers’ organisations at Union level.

(2) Each Member State shall appoint one government representative, one representative of the workers’ organisations, one representative of the employers’ organisations, one representative of national youth organisations, one representative of national education and training providers and one alternate for each member for a maximum period of seven years. In the absence of a member, the alternate shall be automatically entitled to take part in the proceedings. The Committee shall also include one representative from each of the organizations representing workers’ organisations and employers’ organisations at Union level.

Or. en

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