Europe is transforming: economically, digitally, in terms of sustainability. These changes necessitate a social transformation to make the most of the evolving landscape, whilst leaving no one behind. To achieve this, Europe must reduce inequalities, promote social progress and achieve high quality employment levels, thereby strengthening the Single Market and improving Europe’s economy. These are also foundational elements to facilitate restoring trust in our political systems and our social market economy.
The European Union’s Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2027 onwards will be a critical instrument to create a Europe that is fit-for-purpose, competitive and capable of achieving the 3 targets set-out in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan: on employment, training and lifting at least 15 million people, of which 5 million children, out of poverty by 2030. Like the European Parliament and others, we see the European Social Fund + and Cohesion policy more generally as essential tools to achieve this.
The ESF has driven advancements in employment, training, and social support services, creating opportunities for millions of Europe's most excluded individuals. As highlighted in the Joint Statement “Time for Ambition”, civil society organisations urge the EU Commission to build on those advancements and strengthen, rather than weaken or merge, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). As the EU’s primary instrument to invest in people, the European Social Fund must remain central to the next EU budget.
This month, Social Services Europe, together with 46 other European organisations, networks or platforms, highlights in a joint statement 8 of its Success Factors that are essential to its continued effectiveness:
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Guaranteed funding for employment, training & social initiatives
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Multi-level governance, through shared management between the EU and its regions
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Earmarking for social inclusion, to ensure funding also reaches the most excluded
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Simplification and flexibility for end-beneficiaries, to make EU Funds more attractive
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Enabling conditions, to align funds with international legal frameworks
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The partnership principle, to ensure EU funds meet local needs
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Funding for local initiatives, instead of solely large-scale projects
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Focus on long-term priorities and reforms, rather than short-term investments only.
This call to action is not just a defence of past achievements—it’s a roadmap to a socially just and resilient Europe. It urges EU decision-makers to ensure the ESF+ remains a pillar of progress for the years to come.
Read the full joint statement and list of signatories here.