Agenda 2000: European Social Fund ESF

The Committee approved the Council's common position on new European Social Fund legislation, which forms part of the Agenda 2000 reform package The planned reforms to the Social Fund redefine its scope to support the European employment strategy and the national action plans for employment which are linked to it. Keen to speed the passage of the legislation through Parliament, the committee adopted the recommendation by Karin JÖNS (PES, D) to approve the common position, subject to her five amendments which focus on equal opportunities for all and the need for a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as flexible work organisation, with the Third System included as a source of new jobs. To combat discrimination, Mrs Jöns is calling for intervention under the Social Fund to be geared to mainstreaming, or integrating equal opportunities into all policies areas. �