The European Commission’s new MFF proposal is out, but the future of funding for social rights in Europe remains uncertain.
With a headline target of 14% for social spending by Member States, the EU budget proposal for 2028-34 so far offers no guarantees on how much of this funding will reach people in the most vulnerable situations.
While we see some positive increases in the overall budget and some of its instruments, the upcoming negotiations will need to ensure there are guaranteed allocations to invest in people. Without the necessary earmarking for tackling some of Europe’s big social challenges, we are increasingly concerned that this next EU budget will not be able to deliver on poverty eradication and social inclusion for all.
The ‘simplification’ of the MFF, and in particular the merging of standalone funds, could also risk undermining previous achievements and the potential impact of social investments in the coming years.
As Réka Tunyogi, Acting Secretary General of Social Platform, states:
“The 2028-34 EU budget must finance a future where the rights and wellbeing of people in Europe are protected. However, as it stands today, the European Commission’s proposal falls far short of what is needed to secure a resilient, sustainable, inclusive Union for all.
While we’re glad to see the overall budget is increased, this must translate into real investment in people. With crucial information still lacking on how this budget will deliver a Social Europe for all, we urge the European Commission to clarify that it is serious about investing in its social fabric.”
