The European Social Fund (ESF) operates as part of the Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion Policy. Its purpose is to help people find better jobs and offer more equitable job prospects to all EU citizens.

In France, the ESF accounts for 5.5 billion euros for the 2014-2020 period. It is involved in the following issues:

• Improving job opportunities,
• Strengthening social inclusion and combatting poverty,
• Promoting education, skills development and lifelong learning,
• Boosting administrative capacity.

In order to best address specific urban issues, part of the ESF budget is also used for the priority neighbourhoods of the urban policy. In the national context of decentralisation, regional councils are responsible for managing 35% of the national ESF budget for vocational training, apprenticeships, and careers guidance. The State is the managing authority for employment and inclusion, with 65% of the national ESF budget.