Brussels, 19/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - the European Commission has approved the Community Support Framework "Objective 3" of regional policy (employment and training() for the period stretching from 2000 to 2006. This Objective, funded through the European Social Fund, contributes to the adaptation and modernisation of the education, training and employment policies and systems. The EU's financial assistance amounts to 3,887 million euro for the 7-yar period. This decision is part of the batch of decision inaugurating the new programming period of the Structural Funds.
The Community Support Framework for Italy is a direct response to Council recommendations on the national action plan for employment 1999, with particular attention being paid to the following aspects: - preventing unemployment among the young and adults; reforming employment services; improving the quality of vocational training; entrepreneuship and potential job creation in the services sector; policies aimed at bridging the gap between men and women, regarding the labour market and unemployment.
The Community Support framework distinguishes three priorities: developing active labour market policies to help those seeking work; develop education, training and guidance services as part of lifelong learning policy; achieve equal opportunities for women on the labour market.