19/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - ESF operational programme for Netherlands adopted. On Friday 19 September, the European Commission announced the adoption of the operational programme of the European Social Fund (ESF) for the Netherlands for the years 2014-2020, for just over €1 billion, more than €500 million of which will come from the EU budget. This programme essentially includes three priorities: - €720 million will be earmarked for the inclusion in the employment market of groups excluded from it; - €200 million will be invested in actions designed to remedy any predictable labour shortages; - local initiatives in the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague will be granted €50 million. (JK)