Regional Government expands social and educational support under the Madeira 2030 program
Ordinance no. 271/2026 introduces significant changes to the European Social Fund+ regulations, expanding support for students, low-income families, and victims of violence.
The Regional Government of Madeira has published Ordinance no. 271/2026, which implements the fourth amendment to the Specific Regulation of Objective 3 - Madeira + Social and Inclusive. This measure aims to provide greater legal clarity and add new types of operations funded by the European Social Fund+ (ESF+), strengthening support for critical areas of Madeiran society.
New Support Categories
The regulation now includes new intervention sections, namely:
- Education: Creation of higher education scholarships for low-income students (articles 59-A to 59-E) and reinforcement of Psychology and Guidance Services in schools (articles 59-F to 59-J).
- Combating Material Deprivation: Introduction of support mechanisms via electronic cards for the purchase of food and basic necessities, both through direct and indirect distribution (articles 127-A to 127-O).
- Quality Services: New programs to promote active aging, protection against domestic, dating, and sexual violence, and qualification of the system for the promotion and protection of children and youth at risk (articles 145-A to 145-O).
Changes to Eligibility Rules
The ordinance also updates the rules for expense eligibility, clarifying costs related to trainees, trainers, and technical staff. Notable is the possibility of granting a second meal allowance in specific cases of accommodation subsidies and the update of remuneration limits for internal trainers, ensuring harmonized treatment of support instruments.
The document, signed by the Regional Secretaries of Education, Science and Technology; Finance; and Inclusion, Labor and Youth, enters into force the day following its publication, reinforcing the regional commitment to social cohesion and equal opportunities.
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