SSE has submitted a detailed response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Based on our experience, including in the context of the Social Services Helpdesk Project (2022-2024), the Technical Guidance on Effective Interventions in the field of Social Services and the Policy Recommendations developed under the lead and coordination of SSE, we outline key observations and recommendations to ensure that EU funding continues to promote solidarity, equality, fundamental rights, social and labour market inclusion as well as, social and territorial cohesion and a transition towards community-based support systems.
Recently, the new Commission's political and funding strategy has been deprioritizing social inclusion and the social economy by intending to redirect current ESF+ funding towards defense and competitiveness priorities or through the recent dismantling of the Social Economy Unit within DG Grow. This is concerning given that Europe needs:
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A strengthened stand-alone European Social Fund, with increased funds, not less.
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Earmarked funding for training and jobs, social inclusion measures, and fighting child poverty, including addressing basic needs across key programmes.
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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.
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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.
Therefore, for the next MFF, we recommend to:
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Ensure an adequate and dedicated Social Fund to fully implement the European Pillar of Social Rights.
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Ensure dedicated budget and earmarking of the future Social Fund to fight child poverty and social exclusion.
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Maximise the impact of the future Social Fund by ensuring take-up by not-forprofit organisations.
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Build the capacity of Social Services to access the future Social Fund.
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Ensure simplification reaches beneficiaries.
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Ensure EU funds drive social and human rights-based change and are anchored in the needs of individuals and communities.
SSE believes that the EU can meet its obligations under the European Pillar of Social Rights and ensure a resilient, inclusive future for everyone by prioritising social services in the upcoming MFF.
You can read the full SSE Response to the EC Consultation on the Evaluation for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) here.
You can have a look into SSE's separated replies to the EC Questionnaires: