Together with 46 other co-signing organisations, COFACE Families Europe has endorsed a joint statement calling on the EU institutions to secure a strong European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) by building on eight key success factors.
Europe is transforming: economically, digitally, in terms of sustainability. These changes necessitate a social transformation to make the most of the evolving landscape, whilst leaving no one behind. To achieve this, Europe must reduce inequalities, promote social progress and achieve high quality employment levels, thereby strengthening the Single Market and improving Europe’s economy. These are also foundational elements to facilitate restoring trust in our political systems and our social market economy.
The European Union’s Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2027 onwards will be a critical instrument to create a Europe that is fit-for-purpose, competitive and capable of achieving the 3 targets set-out in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan: on employment, training and lifting at least 15 million people, of which 5 million children, out of poverty by 2030. Like the European Parliament and others, we see the European Social Fund + and Cohesion policy more generally as essential tools to achieve this.
The next MFF will of course need to improve, be adapted to the evolving context and new priorities. Improving a framework is also to recognise what has worked well with its predecessors. Since its establishment in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome, the European Social Fund (ESF) has been a cornerstone of EU investment, effectively addressing territorial disparities, targeting local needs, and supporting innovation and reforms in partnership with local stakeholders, social partners, civil society and the social economy.
The ESF has driven advancements in employment, training, and social support services, creating opportunities for millions of Europe’s most excluded individuals. As highlighted in the Joint Statement “Time for Ambition”, we urge the EU Commission to build on those advancements and strengthen, rather than weaken or merge, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
We highlight 8 of its Success Factors that are essential to its continued effectiveness. These include:
- Guaranteed funding for social goals;
- Multi-level governance;
- Targeted support for inclusion;
- Simplification for beneficiaries of EU funds;
- Enabling conditions;
- Strong partnerships;
- Support for local and small initiatives;
- Investment in systemic, long-term reforms.
As the EU’s primary instrument to invest in people, the European Social Fund must remain central to the next EU budget. Together, we stand ready to support EU institutions in securing a strong, inclusive ESF+ that delivers for all Europeans.
Read the full joint statement including the 8 success factors here.
