Cross-sector topics in ESF Plus

Information about gender equality, anti-discrimination, and ecological sustainability

The horizontal objectives of gender equality, anti-discrimination, and ecological sustainability make up the cross-sector topics in the current European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) funding period 2021–2027. These topics replace the cross-sector goals of the ESF funding period 2014–2020. The aim is to integrate the three cross-sector topics with respect to the planning, implementation, support for, and final evaluation of ESF Plus. Consequently, ESF Plus funding should always aim to foster gender equality, anti-discrimination, and ecological sustainability.

The horizontal objectives are embedded in Article 9 of the Common Provisions Regulation for the Cohesion Fund, and are also specified in Article 6 of the ESF Plus Regulation and in the ESF Plus Federal Programme. Even if the ESF Regulation only mentions gender equality and anti-discrimination as horizontal objectives, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) clearly states that ecological sustainability is to be given equivalent status in ESF Plus.

Each EU member state must give due consideration to the horizontal objectives and also meet the fundamental requirements that apply to all objectives. These include, above all, complying with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in addition to various other key requirements.

ESF Plus cross-sector topics in detail:

  • Gender equality

In accordance with the Regulation, equality between men and women, the thorough consideration of gender equality and the inclusion of gender perspectives must be taken into account and promoted throughout the preparation, implementation, support for, evaluation of, and reporting on the programmes.

  • Anti-discrimination

In addition, the necessary measures must be taken to tackle all forms of discrimination based on gender, origin, ethnicity, religion or philosophy, disability, age, and sexual orientation during the preparation, implementation, support for, evaluation of, and reporting on the programmes. Particular consideration should be given to accessibility for persons with disabilities throughout the preparation and implementation phases. Barriers to participation should be removed and accessibility and inclusion promoted.

  • Ecological sustainability

ESF Plus also seeks to promote a greener, low-emissions Europe. Strategies for doing so include improving the systems of general and vocational education and training that are required to adapt competencies and qualifications; continuing education provision for all persons, including those in the labour force; creating new jobs relating to the environment, climate protection, energy supply, the circular economy, and the bioeconomy.

With respect to the Network IQ – Integration through Qualification, the horizontal objectives are embedded in the funding guidelines and principles for the current funding round 2023–2025. To help stakeholders participating in the ESF Plus Federal Programme improve implementation of the horizontal objectives, the ESF Plus administrative bodies have also established a support structure for the period 2021–2027: the Competence Centre for Cross-sector Topics in ESF Plus.

The Competence Centre has created guidelines on implementing the three cross-sector topics in ESF Plus for the funding period 2021–2027, which are available here.

This link will take you to the topics-focused ESF Plus website.

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