Due to the most recent developments (e.g. economic crisis, austerity budgets), Austria<br />has to set priorities within the scope of the Europe 2020 Strategy, in particular in the policy areas of employment, education as well as poverty reduction and social exclusion. The sectoral EU policies (including rural development) have to be coordinated under the umbrella of the Europe 2020 Strategy. Compared to other interest groups such as farmers and industry, workers in the last fiscal periods were only to a minor degree able to benefit directly from EU Funds. Therefore, the European Social Fund most not only be strengthened as to content, but above all financially.<br />