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The RHOMOLO interim macroeconomic analysis of the 2021-2027 European Social Fund Plus

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We estimate the macroeconomic impact of the 2021-2027 European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) investments that fall under the broad areas of employment, education and training, and social inclusion with data updated to the end of 2024. We employ the spatial dynamic general equilibrium model RHOMOLO, which has been extended to incorporate endogenous labour force participation. The investments serving as inputs to the model affect the labour supply or labour productivity in each Member State. The results suggest that ESF+ funds are expected to lead to positive GDP, labour force participation and employment responses across all Member States, while cross-country disparities decline.

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  • Lazarou Nicholas Joseph & Christou Tryfonas & Garcia Rodriguez Abian & Peralta Catarina & Salotti Simone, 2026. "The RHOMOLO interim macroeconomic analysis of the 2021-2027 European Social Fund Plus," JRC Working Papers on Territorial Modelling and Analysis 2026-03, Joint Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipt:termod:202603
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