The EU’s post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be proposed in the coming weeks. However, the latest information emerging from European Commission raises serious concerns for Social Platform, the largest network of European social civil society organisations.
With a narrow interpretation of competitiveness being increasingly prioritised, programmes for social investment and the support of civil society are under threat of being cut, reduced or merged. Not only is the overall amount of available resources expected to reduce given the debt for repaying the Next Generation EU programme’s loans and inflation, the drastic reorganisation in the name of simplification compounds the race for limited resources.
Unless resources are guaranteed for social investments, such as poverty reduction, education, health care, research, integration, non-discrimination and equality, there is a genuine risk of underinvestment in European society. Should such a deprioritisation of financial instruments really materialise, it would be unacceptable and deeply impact the rights and wellbeing of people in Europe.
Social Platform warns against decreasing funding and splitting or merging the ESF+ with other funds, as this would dilute its impact, hinder its monitoring by stakeholders, and prevent further progress on poverty reduction and social inclusion. It supports not only labour market access, skills development and social economy, but also addresses structural barriers faced by marginalised communities, such as Roma, people with disabilities, children and youth, women, older people, migrants, ethnic minorities, and those experiencing homelessness or mental health problems, to name a few.
Social Platform therefore reiterates its messages from its position paper on A post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework for Social Europe, presenting clear and targeted recommendations to support long-term investment in an inclusive society through the EU budget.
Social Platform’s 13 Recommendations to support long-term investment in an inclusive society:
- The size of the post-2027 MFF must be larger than the current MFF and the Next Generation EU programme together, i.e. above EUR 2 trillion.
- Cohesion Policy must remain a key pillar of the MFF, and its partnership principle should be retained and reinforced.
- Keep both horizontal and thematic enabling conditions in the Common Provisions Regulation to ensure accountability and delivery on investments linked to the European Pillar of Social Rights.
- The European Social Fund+ (ESF+) must be retained as a standalone fund supporting social inclusion.
- The earmarking for social inclusion under ESF+ should go beyond the current 25%, and at least 5% to tackle child poverty for all Member States.
- Recognise the value of public investment in research beyond industrial competitiveness. The EU needs a successor to Horizon Europe that supports research in the areas of social inclusion and fundamental rights, with the aim of improving the wellbeing of its people.
- A more comprehensive framework on Just Transition is needed with a broader geographical focus and strong social conditionalities. The focus of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) should be expanded beyond employment to address the broader social needs of disadvantaged groups impacted by the green transition and align with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR).
- Increase the Social Climate Fund budget. Ensure that 100% of revenues from ETS2 are allocated to the SCF and extend it beyond the year 2032, to effectively mitigate its social consequences.
- The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Value programme (CERV) must be retained as a standalone fund supporting a vibrant civil society, supporting, defending and promoting human rights.
- The Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) must continue to support both integration and socio-economic inclusion of third-country nationals.
- Pre-Accession Assistance funding must prioritise social inclusion and compliance with fundamental rights standards.
- Ensure strong and sustained EU investment in health to build resilient and accessible healthcare systems. Propose a well-financed successor to EU4Health.
- Increase funding for ERASMUS+ fivefold to ensure accessibility for all young people, students and life-long learners and retain the current programme structure with earmarking for each of the strands for education and training, youth and sport.
This statement is further endorsed by the European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR).
