Call for a Strong Social Dimension in the Next EU Budget
EUFunds4Social Coalition

Addressed to the Presidents of the EU Institutions, Prime Ministers, and Permanent Representatives, the letter highlights the vital role of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in delivering EU priorities on employment, skills, social inclusion, poverty reduction, social services, and territorial cohesion.

The Coalition warns against proposals that could dilute dedicated funding, weaken social earmarking, or reduce the involvement of local and regional authorities and civil society organisations in the implementation of EU funds.

The signatories call for:

• Increased social investment and the preservation of ESF+ and ERDF as stand-alone instruments with clear mandates;
• Protected funding for social inclusion, child poverty, material deprivation, homelessness, youth employment, and capacity building;
• Strong governance based on partnership, subsidiarity, and a rights-based approach.

The letter is supported by 252 signatories, including 56 European networks and 196 national and local organisations. This broad support sends a strong message that social and territorial investment must remain at the heart of the next EU budget.

Europe’s social cohesion depends on the choices made in the next MFF. The Coalition calls on EU leaders to ensure that the future EU budget continues to invest in people, communities, and social inclusion across Europe.

Maintaining strong social investment will help ensure that children, young people, families, and vulnerable communities have the support they need to thrive.

Access the letter here