Brussels, 09/08/2000 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the Commission adopted a "single programming document" for three Member States foreseeing programme covering education, training and employment stemming from Objective 3 and financed by the European Social Fund over a seven year period. The Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou noted that, in the countries concerned, serious problems remain, such an a significant shortage of qualified labour and the low rates of employment among older workers.
Netherlands: a financing of EUR 1.7 billion is aimed at three priorities: - prevent new adult unemployed from falling into long-term unemployment notably through personalise reintegration programmes; - bring skills corresponding with market needs to persons who have been unemployed for more than twelve months and who lack basic qualifications (especially women, the homeless and the handicapped); - promote the life-long education and training in secondary vocational education, so as to avoid that youth drop out of the education system.
Luxembourg: EUR 39 million are foreseen for: - preventing unemployment (thanks to training, recycling and advice); - the promotion of social integration (target groups: the marginalised, including former inmates and drug addicts); - life-long training and the promotion of entrepreneurship; - the reinforcing of sexual equality.
Finland: EUR 46 million are aimed at: - promoting employability and make up labour shortages; - promote equal opportunities between men and women; - reinforce the quality of education and training; - encourage entrepreneurship.