CECOP joined 50 co-signatories on the joint statement initiated by EASPD, in connection with the ongoing negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034.

In July 2025, the European Commission published its proposal for the future MFF. The proposal introduces technical improvements, such as harmonised regulations, simplified monitoring, and increased flexibility. These specific provisions have the potential to increase the effectiveness of the next EU Budget, but also entail some risks.

A significant development is the proposal to create National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Plans, which will merge different funding, including the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), migration, integration and border management, and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), under single national frameworks. The Plans are established under the NRPP Regulation, which also includes EU Facility and Interreg funds for crisis response and transnational cooperation.

The coalition made up of social economy organisations, civil society organisations, social services, trade unions, education and lifelong learning providers has assessed the European Commission’s proposal based on the previously highlighted eight key success factors for a future ESF+. The assessment highlights serious concerns about the ability of the current EU Budget proposal to deliver on its social ambitions and the achievement of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Read our joint statement and full assessment here