What is the Call about?
The European Commission and the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation have launched a new transnational call under the ESF+ Social Innovation+ initiative.
The call focuses on two key priorities:
1. Strengthening the European Child Guarantee national governance systems
Supporting better coordination, governance and implementation of policies for vulnerable children.
2. Supporting access to the labour market for Roma NEETs
Helping Roma young people aged 15–29 who are not in employment, education or training to access employment and self-employment opportunities.
Why is it important?
The call supports the implementation of the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and aims to test, transfer and scale up innovative solutions that address the root causes and consequences of poverty.
Budget and deadline
The total budget is EUR 17 million:
- EUR 12 million for the European Child Guarantee strand
- EUR 5 million for the Roma NEETs strand
Deadline for applications:
30 September 2026, 17:00 CEST
Funding Priorities
European Child Guarantee
Projects that improve how national systems coordinate and deliver support for vulnerable children and families.
Roma Youth Employment
Projects that help young Roma people (15–29) who are outside employment, education or training gain access to jobs, skills and self-employment opportunities.
- ESF-SI-2026-ECG-01: Strengthening the European Child Guarantee national governance systems
- ESF-SI-2026-ROMA NEETs-01: Supporting access to the labour market of Roma NEETs
Official call pages
European Social Fund Plus:
https://ec.europa.eu/european-social-fund-plus/en/esf-social-innovation
Social Innovation+:
https://socialinnovationplus.eu