In light of recent global political developments, there are plans underway to significantly increase defense spending across the EU. In this context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on proposed on 4 March to redirect cohesion policy programmes to support defense-related investments.
Social Platform’s Secretary General, Laura de Bonfils states: “President von der Leyen’s call to ‘ReArm Europe’ may need €800 billion in defense spending, but redirecting valuable cohesion funds would be a big mistake. Stability in Europe is not just about military spending – it also depends on investment in its people. Cohesion policies are essential for building inclusive, resilient and democratic societies through long-term investments in structural reforms. Diverting these funds would be a significant setback and we strongly urge the European Commission to safeguard them.”
Competitive economies need inclusive societies
The cost-of-living crisis remains a significant concern for people across Europe. According to Eurobarometer,rising prices and the cost of living were among the main issues that motivated Europeans to vote in the European elections last year. As a key tool for strengthening economic and social coordination in the EU, the European Semester process should play a central role in addressing this challenge.
However, the European Commission’s 2025 Autumn Package places a strong focus on competitiveness, in line with the new European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass. Social Platform sees this predominant focus on competitiveness as a concern, as it risks undermining the EU’s social and environmental goals and deprioritising wellbeing for people and planet.
In response to the Autumn Package, Social Platform, together with some of its members, highlighted specific concerns and made recommendations to the Social Protection Committee (SPC) and the Employment Committee (EMCO).
Main issues identified and recommendations, according to Social Platform:
- Competitiveness yes, but with a strong social dimension: Europe cannot be competitive if it leaves its people behind. Investing in the social model is a strategic advantage for well-being, resilience and social inclusion.
- Implementation of EU headline targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction: The need to improve the labour market inclusion of under-represented groups with better working conditions and work-life balance is pointed out. It calls for accelerated efforts through a revised European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, equality strategies and an ambitious EU anti-poverty strategy.
- Effectiveness of the Social Convergence Framework, improving the Social Scoreboard and its methodology for detecting social convergence risks.
- Transition towards a more comprehensive analysis, with social dimension, increasing the presence of country-specific recommendations focused on social policies.
- Strengthen structural involvement of civil society in decision-making
