The objectives of the Programme
- supporting self-employment by providing preferential loans to start one's own business
- developing the potential of labor market institutions and services
- supporting entrepreneurs, other employers and their employees in areas of key importance for the country's social and economic development
- improving the quality of education systems and promoting inclusive education
- supporting lifelong learning, including enhancing the digital skills of adults
- strengthening the higher education system, including adapting its offerings to the challenges of digital and green transformation.
- supporting institutions responsible for the socio-professional integration of migrants
- development of the potential of institutions operating in the sphere of social integration, social services and social economy
- developing the potential of institutions operating in the areas of social integration, social services, and social economy
- expanding childcare for young children, including creating care facilities for children under 3 years old and improving the competencies of staff in this area
- ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities
- supporting the healthcare system, including postgraduate education for doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health-related professions
- social partners and civil society capacity building
- promoting social innovation and disseminating tested solutions.
Target groups
The program is primarily directed towards:
- local government units
- persons with disabilities and their families
- parents of children under 3 years of age
- NGOs
- entrepreneurs and employers
- social partners
- civil society organizations
- social economy entities and social enterprises
- teachers and school governing bodies
- universities,
- research institutions
- healthcare system entities and professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, and others).
Forms of Support
- grants
- financial instruments
Budget
The programme budget is about PLN 20.9 billion, or about €4.9 billion.
EU contribution: about PLN 17.4 billion
National contribution: about PLN 3.5 billion
Ethical standards
The Managing Authority of the European Funds for Social Development Program 2021-2027 is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical standards, including principles of fairness, objectivity, and integrity. The authority aims to be perceived as an institution opposing financial abuses, such as conflicts of interest and corruption.
This commitment is also expected from all institutions involved in the implementation of the EFSD program, as well as from EFSD project beneficiaries and their contractors. In particular, they are expected to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, impartiality, responsibility, and honesty in their duties.
The EFSD program has implemented a unified system for preventing and combating financial abuse, which includes elements such as the prevention of fraud, detection, and reporting of abuses to appropriate services and institutions, as well as reporting and correcting expenditures in cases of suspected financial fraud. Implementing anti-abuse measures is also recommended to beneficiaries executing EFSD projects.
The European Funds for Social Development Program operates under a zero-tolerance policy toward financial abuse. As such, the EFSD Managing Authority will rigorously combat any instances of financial fraude, utilizing the support of relevant services and law enforcement agencies.