SOLIDAR joins over 350 organisations to protect a strong EU social budget

SOLIDAR has signed the joint statement developed by the EUFunds4Social Coalition and calling for a strong and dedicated EU social budget in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). Together with 355 European networks and national organisations across Europe, we urge EU institutions to safeguard and strengthen a standalone European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

What did the European Commission propose?

In its proposal for the next EU budget, the European Commission suggested a major restructuring of EU funding. The ESF+ and ERDF would no longer exist as separate programmes but would be integrated into broader National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), alongside other funding streams. Although the Commission has proposed a 14% social spending target within these NRPPs, this is significantly lower than the guaranteed funding in the current framework. Furthermore, the target covers a much wider range of investments, which risks diluting the ESF’s impact by spreading resources across areas that may not have an explicit social focus. Lastly, the target is loosely defined and lacks clear policy objectives, ring-fenced funding lines and enforceable criteria. SOLIDAR and its partners are concerned that this merger will dilute the strategic focus of social investment, reduce accountability and turn essential funds into a bargaining tool between national and regional authorities.

A call for strong, standalone ESF+ and ERDF

The joint statement firmly opposes this proposed shift and urges the EU to “build on what works.” It emphasizes the proven impact of ESF+ and ERDF in promoting employment, skills development, social inclusion and regional cohesion across Europe. The signatories call on EU institutions to preserve these funds as standalone programmes with clear mandates, dedicated budgets, and robust governance.

We recommend to:

• Secure strong and dedicated budgets for ESF and ERDF, at least equal to current levels adjusted for inflation and provided as grants.
• Preserve current ESF earmarking for social inclusion, child poverty, material deprivation, youth employment
• Strengthen and mainstream the partnership principle across all EU funds including direct funds, ensuring meaningful participation of social actors at all levels of governance;
• Reinstate and enforce enabling conditions to ensure EU investments uphold fundamental rights and support implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
• Improve access for small not-for-profit actors through simpler procedures, lighter reporting requirements, stable pre-financing, adequate co-financing, and national helpdesks.

At a time when Europe is facing growing social and territorial inequalities, SOLIDAR believes it is crucial to ensure that social investment is strengthened rather than weakened in the next EU budget. By building on what already works, the EU can ensure its budget continues to be a powerful instrument for social cohesion and the protection of fundamental rights. Read the full statement here.