More than twenty European platforms representing the Social Economy and Third Sector, including Social Economy Europe (SEE) and Social Platform, have sent a letter to European Heads of State and Government, in the context of the European Council meeting on 18 and 19 December, urging them to safeguard the European Social Fund (ESF) ‘as the Union’s main instrument for social cohesion, ensuring that no one is left behind and that investment in people remains central to the future of Europe’.
The 24 signatories to the letter represent the social economy, philanthropy, social inclusion, the fight against poverty, equality, carers, public services and their workers throughout the European Union.
In the letter, they recall that for decades the European Social Fund (ESF), as enshrined in the Treaty, has been the EU’s main instrument for employment and social cohesion. ‘It has promoted investment in employment, training, equality, skills development, the social economy and the social inclusion of vulnerable groups,’ they point out.
Beyond its social mission, the ESF also strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and sustainable growth. By specifically supporting job creation — particularly for groups at risk of exclusion from the labour market, such as people with disabilities, migrants, Roma and others at risk of poverty, young people who are not in education or employment, and the long-term unemployed — the ESF strengthens Europe’s human capital and workforce and ensures that no talent is wasted.
‘Furthermore, by investing in the social economy, the ESF is boosting one of Europe’s most dynamic and resilient sectors, which generates inclusive jobs, fosters innovation and contributes directly to the Union’s competitiveness,’ they insist.
They therefore stress that it is a fundamental pillar of the European model, and that a strong ESF ‘is not only a matter of social justice, but also a strategic investment in Europe’s economic future’.
Critical gaps and three risks
The letter warns that the proposal presented by the Commission, which groups cohesion policy, including the ESF, into a large fund together with other European policies such as the common agricultural policy, puts decades of investment in people at risk.
Alongside this, the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, which aims to modernise EU funding through simplification and performance-based approaches, ‘leaves critical gaps that threaten inclusive growth, competitiveness and cohesion’ and presents ‘three risks to the efficient implementation of EU funds’. These risks are the dilution of the thematic focus due to the integration of the ESF into broader partnership plans; the lack of defined objectives, clarity and predictability in financial allocations; and ambiguity in ESF governance due to the absence of managing authorities.
Proposals for future negotiations
In response to this, ‘at this critical moment,’ the letter states, ‘Member States—together with the European Parliament—must act to restore the value of the ESF and ensure the continuity of its proven successes.’ In this regard, they call for preserving the thematic approach and reintroducing detailed priorities in the National Social Policy Plan (NSPP) Regulation to ensure specific support for the social economy and third sector.
They also propose establishing a clear link between the direct allocation of 14% of resources to social objectives under the NSP Regulation and the future ESF. They argue that this should provide Member States with concrete guidance on eligible actions, prevent the dilution of social policy interventions and avoid short-term operations, ensuring sustained long-term investments.
Finally, the letter calls for the original content of the ESF to be restored, clearly specifying its main objectives and investment priorities, and explicitly including employment, social inclusion, skills development and support for the social economy.
The signatories to the letter are the European Disability Forum (EDF), the European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy (REVES), the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), the European Network of Social Integration Enterprises (ENSIE), AGE Platform Europe, Plataforma Europea para la Rehabilitación (EPR), Cáritas Europa, ILGA Europa, CEC – Actuando por la Inclusión Social, Plataforma de Aprendizaje Permanente – Sociedad Civil Europea para la Educación, COFACE Familias Europa, Philea, Eurocarers, RREUSE, Eurodiaconia, Samaritan International, Red Europea de Lucha contra la Pobreza (EAPN), Social Economy Europe (SEE), Consejo Europeo de Asociaciones de Interés General (CEDAG), Plataforma Social, Federación Europea de Personas con Discapacidad Auditiva (EFHOH), Social Services Europe, Federación Sindical Europea de Servicios Públicos (FSESP) y Federación Europea de Bancos de Alimentos (FEBA).
