The Commission is proposing to amend the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to broaden their scope and make it easier to mobilise support for workers.

Under the proposed changes, Member States would gain more flexibility to redirect ESF+ funding towards skills development in strategic sectors, such as defence and clean industries..

The EGF would also be able to intervene earlier — before job losses occur — and mobilise support more quickly through a simplified procedure.