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Around 50 experts: representatives of the European Commission, ministries in the Member states, NGOs and independent experts took place in the forum “European Social Fund (ESF) support for Local Employment Initiatives” organized by DG Employment of the European Commission on February 1 and 2 in Brussels. They discussed the existing practices for Local Employment Initiatives (LEIs) that are supported by ESF in several member states within this programming period as well as how to extend them in all member states during the next period. The topic of social inclusion of vulnerable groups and how it fits within ESF activities was also one of the main discussed issues. In essence, the forum was part of the starting discussions about the priorities in the structural funds during the next planning period.

Local and regional levels become more and more important for ESF, said in his opening speech Thomas Bender, acting director of ESF. Partnership of all local stakeholders is decisive to move forward. That is why is important to discuss the practice of LEIs and how it could be supported within the next planning period since until July we should present to European Council the general ideas how to organize the European funds in the next period, explained Mr. Bender. He also pointed that for the Commission LEIs are linked not only with jobs but with social inclusion and this topic will become more important. Answering the question of Deyan Kolev for possible amendment in ESF Regulations that will ensure a share of ESF budget for Roma targeted actions Thomas Bender explained that after mid 2010 the pressure for EU policy for Roma is becoming stronger. We have the intention to ensure ESF money for Roma and other marginalized communities as well as to help the countries to use these money, said Mr. Bender.

The participants split into three small groups – discussed the strategic dimensions of ESF support for LEIs, the working methods and innovative approaches within LEIs, and simplification of procedures for promoting LEIs. They elaborated concrete suggestions for extending the practice of LEIs and other practices that could promote complex interventions (employment, education, qualification, social services) and could contribute for the social inclusion within the ESF n the next planning period.

Bulgaria was represented by Snejana Angelova (Ministry of Labour and Social Policy) and Deyan Kolev (Center Amalipe). During the discussions Deyan Kolev raised the suggestions to extend the scope of Roma / marginalized communities targeted actions in order to promote a complex approach: interventions for improving the quality of education, social services, health care and employment as well as infrastructure and housing in the Roma neighborhoods. This could happen through combining resources from ESF and ERDF that is very difficult at present but could be changed in the next planning period. Local Roma Employment Initiatives could be a good frame for such interventions. He also pointed that developing the local communities and helping their self-organization is crucial for the success of any intervention in Roma community: that is why is necessary to include community organization and engagement measures as one of the fields of actions.