ESF Ex-post evaluation synthesis 2007-2013 : EU synthesis report : executive summary

This report concerns the ex post evaluation of the European Social Fund (ESF) in the 2007-2013 programming period. The scope of the assistance from the ESF is set out in Art. 3 of the ESF Regulation 1081/2006 and covers: - Increasing the Adaptability of workers, enterprises, and entrepreneurs; - Enhancing Access to Employment; - Reinforcing the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups; - Enhancing Human Capital; - Promoting Partnerships; - Strengthening Institutional Capacity. This synthesis report covers, as required by Article 49(3) of the above mentioned Regulation, all Operational Programmes (OPs) under each Objective and examines the extent to which resources were used, the effectiveness and efficiency of Fund programming and its socio-economic impact. It aims to draw conclusions for the policy on economic and social cohesion. It also identifies the factors contributing to the success or failure of the implementation of OPs, and describes good practices.