Special Report concerning vocational training actions for women co-financed by the European Social Fund

Summary:

The European Court of Auditors analysed whether vocational training actions for women co-financed by the European Social Fund during the 2000-2006 programme period were appropriately selected and adequately monitored.

Vocational training actions for women - the main specific ESF-funded means of promoting equal opportunities for men and women in the labour market - accounted for an estimated 3 billion euro during the 2000-2006 period. These measures complement programmes or actions that the Member States may implement without EU co-financing. For the 2007-2013 programme period, the budget for specific actions has decreased significantly, as more emphasis has been placed on what is known as gender mainstreaming.