Launch Event

The national launch event for the England and Gibraltar 2007-2013 ESF programme took place in London at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on 29 October 2007. As well as launching the new programme, the event celebrated the 50th anniversary of ESF and the achievements of ESF in England.

The event included:

• a keynote speech by Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
• contributions from individuals whose job and life prospects have been transformed by participation in ESF; and
• a discussion of the priorities for ESF in 2007-2013 with a panel of policy makers and programme managers.

During the event, a new ESF DVD was shown in three parts: introduction to ESF; case studies of ESF in action; and priorities for the 2007-2013 programme. There was also a small accompanying exhibition, including 50 years of ESF across Europe.

The event was attended by 200 people including: ESF Monitoring Committee members; representatives from the regions and Co-financing Organisations; project managers and participants; and European Commission desk officers.

The attached document contains answers to questions provided by delegates on their evaluation sheets.

Vladimír Špidla's speech.

Vladimír Špidla speaking at the ESF launch.