The European Structural Funds are the most important source of EU funding for local authority economic development and employment projects. The Structural Funds include:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
• European Social Fund (ESF)
• European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

For the period 2007-2013, we will have access to ERDF through a new 'Competitiveness' programme which will support business and employment initiatives across the South West (apart from Cornwall which will have its own 'Convergence' programme); to further ERDF funds through a 'Co-operation' programme for international economic projects; and to EAFRD support through a new Rural Development Programme for England.

In May 2008, Devon County Council hosted a workshop for local authorities and partner organisations in Devon. The purpose was to share information on the new Structural Fund programmes. The presentations and notes can be downloaded from the links below, or contact us for more information:

ESF 1 (106KB - pdf help)

ESF 2 (146KB - pdf help)

Competitiveness (235KB - pdf help)

Co-operation (456KB - pdf help)

Rural Development Programme (222KB - pdf help)

Other EU funding (1.62MB - pdf help)