European Structural and Investment Funds Programmes in Scotland: 2020 case studies booklet

A publicity booklet to celebrate and promote the achievements of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programmes in Scotland.


3. What are European Structural and Investment Funds?

European Structural and Investment Funds are forms of financial assistance provided by the European Commission to Member States.

The key aim of the funds is to strengthen economic and social cohesion by correcting imbalances between regions.

European Structural and Investment Funds are made up of two distinct strands:

  • The European Social Fund (ESF)
  • The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The ESF was established in 1958 to help people improve their lives by learning new skills, finding better jobs and lifting them out of poverty.

The ERDF was established in 1975 to support business growth, investment and infrastructure.

The ESF and ERDF programmes operate in seven- year cycles and fund a variety of projects in terms of length, scale and beneficiaries.

Scotland has benefitted from European Structural and Investment Funds since 1973, when the United Kingdom joined the European Community.

Contact

Email: europeanstructuralfunds@gov.scot

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