Project description:
ESF+ is a crucial part of the five European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), channeling over 50% of the EU budget to help Member States reduce socio-economic gaps and achieve convergence, aligning with Cohesion Policy goals. The project aimed to:
- examine changes in design, relevance, and interaction with other EU instruments compared to the 2014-2020 period,
- look into simplification measures within ESF+,
- identify opportunities for further simplifications,
- recognize challenges arising compared to 2014-2020 and suggest improvements.
The goal was to provide a study supporting the evaluation of ESF+, ensuring more effective resource utilization in line with evolving socio-economic needs.
The Institute of Public Finance participated in desk research and conducted nine interviews with various stakeholders, including coordinating, managing, and intermediary bodies, fund beneficiaries, and academia.
Project leader: Ecorys