Press Release: New employment and social programme aims for PROGRESS

5 December 2006 sees the launch of PROGRESS – the EU's new integrated programme for employment and social solidarity. With a budget of over €700 million for 2007-2013, it will support the goals set out in the Social Agenda and contribute to the Union's wider strategy for jobs and growth. The programme will fund studies, mutual learning, campaigns to raise awareness and support for key actors across five broad areas: employment, social inclusion, working conditions, equality between women and men and tackling discrimination. It also aims to streamline EU spending on social and employment policies while improving their visibility and coherence as a whole.