Harrop (economics, U. of Bradford) assesses the role and effectiveness of structural funds in financing economic integration in the European Union, especially in tackling unemployment. He examines all of the structural funds and their success in increasing economic growth, and covers the relationship of the funds with the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Investment Bank, and the Cohesion Fund, arguing that the EU requires a stronger regional policy. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

"Focuses on EU funding instruments used to help people into employment or out of poverty and social exclusion. The guide outlines the aims and objectives of four specific funds: the European Social Fund (ESF); the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD); the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI); and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). There is a particular focus on priorities for the EU's new financial period, which runs from 2014-2020, and on how these funds will support Europe 2020, the EU's economic strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth."-- Page [4] of cover.

The European Social Fund has often been overshadowed by more visible European Union social and economic policies. It is, however, integral to the construction and development of the EU and has played a central role in the impact of the EU on individual member states.Based upon a study of the ESF and a range of social policy documents from the Treaty of Rome to the Treaty of Amsterdam, this analysis examines the connections between the ESF and other areas of EU policy. The European Social Fund and the EU will be of particular use to anyone interested in social and economic regeneration across the European Union.

Jubilæumsskrift for Den Europæiske Socialfond