Public consultation on the next EU budget – an opportunity for social cohesion

Last week, the European Commission ended a group of consultations on EU funds, aiming at gathering input and advice to draft the Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU for the years following 2020. The next EU budget will face a tough challenge due to the decrease in contributions that will take place after Brexit. Many scenarios are described by the European Commission, depending on the willingness of EU leaders and their commitments in terms of budget priorities. The European Council Summit on 23 February agreed that the EU will spend more on stemming irregular migration, on defence and on security. At the same time, very little assurance has been given on the future of cohesion policy.

At Social Platform, we believe that the need to finance political priorities such as security should not divert funds from social inclusion and appropriate social protection. Strong, cohesive and inclusive societies are the best defence against radicalisation and extremism: the EU budget must seek to bring people together, rebuilding trust between citizens and institutions and overcoming deep divisions. For these reason, we believe that the EU must ambitiously implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the next budget should include a strong funding tool delivering on social inclusion.

Social Platform responded to the Consultation from the European Commission with several messages which point out key principles to be considered when designing the successor of the current funds. This needs to be planned in the perspective of an enhanced coordination between the existing financing tools (European Social Fund, Fund of European Aid to the most Deprived and the Youth Employment Initiative), but also respecting their different nature and diverse objectives. Adequate resources for tackling poverty and social exclusion need to be provided separately from the employment framework and the concept of active inclusion must go beyond employment policies. EU funding should support the development of quality, accessible, available and affordable services, promoting the development of an integrated and people-centred care and support model throughout Europe.

Our supporting position paper to the public consultation will be published soon!