Social cohesion has always been high on EU’s agenda along with economic efficiency. EU policies and programmes to provide jobs, fight poverty and promote equal opportunities are important for the West Midlands region where are still significant pockets of urban and rural deprivation. The region has some highest concentrations of black and Asian communities outside London and has recently experienced high rates of migrants from Central and Eastern Europe. There is also a significant lack of skills with the region’s workforce. The ESF programme totalling €750, along with some elements of ERDF programmes are the main sources of EU funding to tackle social cohesion issues. However, there is also a range of transnational EU funds that the regional organisations can bid for.
The most important is the Lifelong Learning Programme, with a budget of €6.97 billion, which offers opportunities for regional organisations and residents to invest in skills development at all stages of life. Grants and subsidies are available to projects and activities that foster interchange, promote bilateral and multilateral partnerships, foster trans-national mobility of individuals and promote quality in education and training systems throughout Europe.
Work on this priority will be overseen by the European Social Cohesion Group led by West Midlands Regional Assembley, working closely with the new regional project support office EU Connects and relevant partners.