During the conference ‘Shaping the future of the ESF – ESF and Europe 2020’, which took place in Brussels in June stakeholders were debating on the new shape of the European Social Fund in the context of Europe 2020 Strategy and the new financial perspective 2014-2020.

From the speeches presented by the Commissionner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion - Mr. László Andor emerge plans for redefining of the role of the ESF in order to tailor it to the current social and economic situation in EU member states and the Strategy priorities, where employment issues and social inclusion are of considerable importance.

25.06.2010 - Local and regional politicians from across Europe sent a strong message in favour of maintaining an ambitious EU cohesion policy after 2013, when its current design and funding expires. Meeting in Jaén, Spain, today, the members of the Committee of the Regions' Commission for territorial cohesion (COTER) emphasised the positive knock-on effects of such funding for regional growth and social inclusion. At the same time, they urged reforms to improve its strategic planning and evaluation and called upon the European Commission to step up its support for interregional cooperation.