Romania's National Employment Agency (ANOFM) has attracted additional non-repayable European funds worth EUR 270.355 million for the development of projects to support access and maintenance on the labour market, for integrated and customised measures for youth employment.

'Compared with the initial allocation of approximately EUR 1 billion from the Education and Employment Operational Programme 2021-2027, ANOFM managed to draw additional non-repayable European funds to the tune of EUR 270,355,357.87. Thus, ANOFM has achieved this over contracting, through two new projects, Proactiv - Support for access and maintenance on the labour market and ActivPlus - Integrated and costumised measures for youth employment, which will be implemented between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. They are meant to support the sustainable integration on the labour market of young people and adults looking for a job,' according to ANOFM.

Thus, the Proactiv project, with a budget of EUR 203,276,285.74 , is designed for the employment of 37,084 people registered with the Public Employment Service - unemployed, young people over 30 years old, long-term unemployed, unemployed with a low level of skills, people with disabilities, people from marginalised communities, people from rural areas, people over 55 years old, persons returned to the country, persons belonging to minorities, persons released from detention, refugees, persons benefitting from a form of international protection.

The initiative also supports employers by providing subsidies for the employment of these people, based on articles 80 and 85 of Law 76/2002.

The second project is called ActivPlus. It has a budget of EUR 67,079,072.13, and it is designed to increase the chances of professional integration with the labour market for 12,066 young people under 30 years old, including not in employment, education, or training (NEETs). Young people registered with county employment agencies in eligible regions are offered tailored packages of active measures, such as job subsidies for employers who employ them.

Both projects are implemented by ANOFM through its territorial network and are carried out in 36 counties in Romania, except for those included in the Just Transition Program.

'Under these two projects, we are strengthening our mission to bring the labour market closer to those who need support the most - young people and vulnerable adults. Subsidising jobs is a proven, effective tool that helps both unemployed people and employers. We take an active and responsible role in building a fairer, more flexible and more inclusive labour market. Subsidising jobs, tailor-made packages of measures and supporting employers are not just one-off measures, but part of a coherent national strategy, supported by the expertise amassed by our territorial network. Under these projects, we are happy to demonstrate that European funds can produce tangible, sustainable and direct changes in people's lives. ANOFM continues its mission with seriousness and responsibility, being results-oriented and having solid partnerships with all the stakeholders involved in the dynamics of employment,' according to ANOFM Chairman Florin Cotosman.

The projects contribute directly to achieving the objectives of the National Employment Strategy and promoting social inclusion, having a real impact in combatting unemployment and stimulating employers to invest in the local workforce. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Daniel Badea; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)