Programm: PROGRESS

The Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme is a financing instrument at EU level to promote a high level of quality and sustainable employment, guaranteeing adequate and decent social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions.

Objectives:

• Strengthen ownership of EU objectives and coordination of action at EU and national level in the areas of employment, social affairs and inclusion
• Support the development of adequate social protection systems and labour market policies
• Modernise EU legislation and ensure its effective application
• Promote geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing an open labour market
• Increase the availability and accessibility of microfinance for vulnerable groups and micro-enterprises, and increase access to finance for social enterprises

In pursuing these objectives, EaSI will:

• pay particular attention to vulnerable groups, such as young people
• promote equality between women and men
• combat discriminations
• promote a high level of quality and sustainable employment
• guarantee adequate and decent social protection
• combat long-term unemployment
• fight against poverty and social exclusion

Applications may be submitted by administrative bodies and social partners, financial institutions and media companies.
The Progress axis shall be open to all public and/or private bodies, actors and institutions, and in particular: (a) national, regional and local authorities; (b) employment services; (c) specialist bodies provided for under Union law; (d) the social partners; (e) non-governmental organisations; (f) higher education institutions and research institutes; (g) experts in evaluation and in impact assessment; (h) national statistical offices; (i) the media

Where activities under the Progress axis are financed following a call for proposals, they may receive Union co-financing which shall not exceed, as a general rule, 80 % of the total eligible expenditure. Any financial support in excess of this ceiling shall only be granted in duly justified exceptional circumstances.

Where activities under the EURES axis are financed following a call for proposals, they may receive Union co-financing which shall not exceed, as a general rule, 95 % of the total eligible expenditure. 

Link to programme's website here.