European Social Fund

Operational Programme II (OPII) titled Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life, was originally approved by the Commission on the 22nd June 2007.  This was subsequently updated and approved in July 2012. The Programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF). Through ESF, OPII aims to strengthen social and economic development by improving employment and job opportunities, encouraging a high level of employment and more and better jobs. It supports initiatives which aim to increase employment and quality and productivity at work, promote social inclusion and encourage disadvantaged people to join the work force.

Financial Allocation

OPII has a total budget of €131,764,705. This consists of:

​ESF	€ 112,000,000​
​National Funds	​€ 19,764,705764

The co-financing rate for OPII is 85% ESF, 15% National Funds.

OPII is based on the priorities highlighted by the National Strategic Reference Framework. It addresses the following five key priority areas (Priority Axes) agreed upon between Malta and the European Commission:

Priority Axis 1 – Improving Education and Skills

Priority Axis 2 – Investing in the Employability and Adaptability of the Workforce

Priority Axis 3 – Promoting an Equal and Inclusive Labour Market

Priority Axis 4 – Strengthening of Institutional and Administrative Capacity

Priority Axis 5 – Technical Assistance.

Each of these Priority Axes aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion by improving employment and job opportunities, encouraging a high level of employment and generating more and better jobs.

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