The committee adopted the report by José Albino SILVA PENEDA (EPP-ED, PT) amending the report under the 1st reading of the codecision procedure:
- the objectives listed in Article2 should include combating social exclusion, "including by improving disadvantaged people's access to employment", and promoting non-discrimination and gender equality;
- the ESF should support information and awareness-raising measures targeting the public with the aim of fighting discrimination and promoting equal treatment;
- trans-national cooperation should be promoted as well as innovative measures (at least 1% of ESF resources should be allocated to the latter);
- funding should be provided for special measures "to offset the particular constraints arising from the special characteristics of the outermost regions";
- in general the Member States should inform the population and the relevant stakeholders about activities eligible for financing by the ESF.