The European Union is at a crucial moment in planning its future budget, where possible cuts to essential social investment programs are being discussed. In this context, 133 European and national organizations, including Social Economy Europe and Social Platform, have signed the document “Time for Ambition: The EU Needs a Strong Social Fund to live up to its commitments.” In this document, they warn that reducing or merging funds aimed at labor integration, training, and social inclusion could jeopardize the EU’s social commitments and negatively impact millions of citizens.
The European Parliament has already expressed its support for maintaining an independent and well-funded European Social Fund (ESF+). The statement recalls that this fund has been key in the fight against inequality, in promoting social innovation and employment, and in strengthening the competitiveness of the European single market. Its impact has been crucial in territorial cohesion, ensuring opportunities for disadvantaged regions and groups at risk of exclusion.
The document warns that currently, 94.6 million people in Europe are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including one in four children. Civil society organizations have raised concerns about the increase in extreme poverty and the growing need for assistance in food and basic services, such as housing and energy. This situation has been exacerbated by inflation, the energy crisis, and the economic impact of conflicts, making it even more urgent to strengthen social support networks within the EU.
In this context, the European social economy urges the EU to prioritize social investments in its next budget. They propose increasing ESF+ funding and ensuring cooperation between local governments, social organizations, and the economic sector. Additionally, they call for maintaining the principle of partnership, ensuring decentralized management tailored to the needs of each region.
More specifically, the measures proposed in the statement that should be included in a long-term EU budget are:
A reinforced and autonomous European Social Fund, with more funding, not less. Dedicated funding for training and employment, social inclusion measures, and combating child poverty, including addressing basic needs in all key programs.
A strong partnership principle, ensuring cooperation between public authorities, local organizations, social partners, the social economy, and civil society, well-adapted to local and regional needs to maximize impact and efficiency. This should include capacity-building programs.
Measures that promote quality employment and social reforms, contributing to improving welfare systems, care, training, and support services, empowering people at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This means maintaining current favorable conditions that link funding eligibility to accessibility, inclusion, and the protection of fundamental and social rights.
“The future of Europe depends on inclusive and sustainable policies. A stronger European Social Fund will not only reduce inequalities but also boost innovation, productivity, and the region’s global competitiveness,” the statement affirms, concluding: “The final decision on the budget will set the course for the EU in its fight against exclusion and determine whether it is truly committed to building a fairer and more equitable society for all.”
