The European Social Fund+ has been a vital tool in supporting the social economy, local communities and social services. It has created jobs, provided critical training, drove social inclusion reforms, and alleviated the most urgent needs of people experiencing or at risk of poverty. But the work is not done, and the EU must stand firm in its commitment to social priorities.

We are calling on the EU to ensure a strong, stand-alone Social Fund, capable of reducing inequalities, strengthening the Single Market and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.

To this end, the next long-term EU budget must include:

  • A strengthened stand-alone European Social Fund, with increased funds, not less.
  • Earmarked funding for training and jobs, social inclusion measures, and fighting child poverty including addressing basic needs across key programmes.
  • A strong partnership principle, ensuring cooperation between public authorities, local organisations, social partners, social economy and civil society, well aligned to local and regional needs, to maximise impact and efficiency. This should include capacity building programmes.
  • Measures that drive quality employment and social reforms to help improve welfare systems, care, training and support services, empowering those at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This means keeping the current enabling conditions, that link eligibility for funding to accessibility, inclusion, and the protection of fundamental and social rights.

You can find the full joint statement and the list of signatories here.