Parliament calls for a strong and standalone Fund to combat social exclusion

Sufficient resources for education, training, and skills development

The ESF+ should remain independent

MEPs oppose changes in ESF+ governance and structure to protect its social priorities

On Tuesday, Parliament called for more resources for the European Social Fund Plus post-2027 to better support the EU’s social dimension.

The report calls for a reinforcement of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to support people in vulnerable situations, invest in people and skills, help combat poverty, in addition to boosting social investment and entrepreneurship.

The text outlines Parliament’s input for the upcoming discussion on the budget ESF+, stressing it should remain the key tool to help member states, regions and local communities to strengthen the EU’s social dimension. The fund should tackle social challenges such as digitalisation, the consequences of climate change, decent working conditions, and the rising cost of living, with sufficient funding for education, training, and skills development.

MEPs are concerned about attempts to split or merge the ESF+ with other funds, as they believe this could seriously hamper its ability to reach its own objectives and the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights. They believe the ESF+ should remain an independent fund, and that any remodelling must not detract from its main purpose. Its governance model should remain a shared management model.

Parliament adopted the own-initiative report with 432 votes in favour, 155 against, and 82 abstentions.

Quote

Marit Maij (S&D, NL), rapporteur of the report, said: “Today, the EP sent a strong message: we can only move forward together if we ensure everyone can participate in society. We must continue working to improve the position of children, women, refugees, young people and other vulnerable groups. We have to eliminate the causes of poverty and social exclusion. A robust and generous ESF+ makes this possible.”

Background

The ESF+ is the only EU fund primarily focused on social policies. It is the main EU financial instrument to improve worker mobility, employment opportunities, and strengthen social cohesion. With a budget of €142.7 billion for the 2021-2027 period, it contributes to the EU’s employment, its social education and skills policies, as well as structural reforms in these areas.