Brussels, 10/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU28 labour ministers gave the go-ahead on Monday 10 March to the launch of a new EU fund for the most deprived (EFMD) for 2014-2020. This is the final stage in the legislative process, coming after the European Parliament endorsing the new fund (see EUROPE 11026).
The budget will remain unchanged, €3.8 billion at current prices, with co-financing rates of 85% and 95%. The EU Council of Ministers explained in a press release: “It is expected that the principle means of assistance to the most deprived will indeed be food assistance, although member states can choose whether to distribute food and/or other material assistance to the most deprived persons, or to address them by other means such as social inclusion activities.” Welcoming the Council's decision, EU Social Affairs and Employment Commissioner Laszlo Andor urged member states “to make full use of the fund and to implement it according to their specific needs”. (JK)