The Commission has granted €66.5 million in total to European Social Fund (ESF) Operational Programmes (OPs) in Luxembourg and Sweden under the Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe (REACT-EU). The additional resources will support people in keeping their jobs during the pandemic or finding new ones, as well as in strengthening their skills for a fair, inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

In Luxembourg, the ESF OP will receive an additional €3.5 million to support the short-time work scheme for sectors hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Together with REACT-EU funding from last year, the programme will help around 45 000 workers to keep their jobs. The scheme prioritises companies that contribute to a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy.

In Sweden, an additional €63 million for the national ESF Operational Programme (OP) will support people in gaining new or additional skills. Around 25 500 workers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from labour market training, career guidance, job-matching activities with potential employers and preparations for studies or further education. At least a quarter of the new funding in Sweden will equip people with skills needed for the green and digital transitions.

REACT-EU is part of NextGenerationEU and provides €50.6 billion additional funding (in current prices) over the course of 2021 and 2022 to the 2014-2020 cohesion policy programmes.