The European conference "Investing in people – the way forward", taking place in Sofia, is part of the Bulgarian Presidency's events program and will conclude the celebrations of the 60-year anniversary of the European Social Fund.

The two-day event will consist of plenary sessions dedicated to discussions on the strategic orientation of human development funding in Europe, and thematic workshops.

The conference will bring together all relevant actors such as representatives from EU institutions, national, regional, local public authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, academia as well as end-users and beneficiaries of the funds.

It will provide a unique opportunity to express views on the perceived priorities and expectations for the period post 2020 and to help shape the Commission's policy proposals.

The conference constitutes a key milestone in the consultation process on future EU investment in people and a unique opportunity to reflect on the development of the social dimension of Europe, in the spirit of the recent Gothenburg proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The conference is by invitation only.

Web streaming

Follow the conference live (available on the day of the conference)