Member of the European Parliament Bureau and Quaestor David Casa is to be the lead negotiator on the European Social Fund +.

He stated: “I am honoured to have been entrusted with this important role. The ESF+ is a tool that has huge implications and can deliver incredible results that can positively impact the lives of European citizens - I am confident that I can contribute to improving the way this fund is used.”

Each year, the ESF helps millions of Europeans improve their lives by learning new skills and finding better jobs. It is estimated that every year, through this fund, 10 million people are put into work, or have their work-related skills improved.

The ESF is Europe’s main tool for promoting employment and social inclusion – helping people get a job, or a better job, integrating disadvantaged people into society and ensuring fairer life opportunities for all. It does this by investing in Europe’s people and their skills – employed and jobless, young and old.

This is important for a number of factors. In the short term, it mitigates the consequences of an economic crisis, especially a rise in unemployment and poverty levels. In the longer term, as part of Europe’s strategy to remodel its economy, it creates not just jobs, but an inclusive society.