A STRONGER EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND FOR A MORE SOCIAL EUROPE

The European Economic and Social Committee is calling for a significantly strengthened European Social Fund (ESF) within future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). The ESF must remain central to ensuring quality employment, lifelong learning, social inclusion and equal opportunities during the 2028-2034 programming period.

In an opinion adopted at its January plenary session, the EESC stated that the European Commission’s proposal to reorganise cohesion and agricultural funding under a single strategic architecture can only succeed if the ESF retains its distinct mission, prioritises those most in need and continues to be shaped by meaningful partnerships with social actors at all levels.

To address Europe’s social and economic challenges – from the green and digital transitions to persistent poverty and unequal access to services – the Committee called for raising social spending under the NRPPs from 14% to 20%, with at least 14% specifically dedicated to the ESF. It also asked for clearer rules on what constitutes social expenditure.

The ESF’s multilevel governance model should be maintained, keeping national and regional programmes mandatory. The EESC called for systematic consultation of social partners and civil society, mandatory voting rights for them on ESF monitoring committees and dedicating at least 1% of ESF resources in all Member States to strengthening their administrative capacity.

On skills and employment, the EESC highlighted the need for stronger vocational training, adult learning, STEM and digital skills, improved apprenticeships and support for youth employment, including allocating at least 20% of ESF resources to the reinforced Youth Guarantee.

The Committee further called for expanding ESF support for social inclusion, high‑quality social services, work-life balance, elderly and disability care, mental and physical health, and affordable housing.(lm)