As inflation and cost of living rise, EU cohesion funding shields people from the impact of declining quality of life
As an alliance of civil society organizations, EuroHealthNet and co-signatories of this Joint Statement are urging the European Council to reconsider the EU long-term budget when it convenes on 26-27 October to exchange views on the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. We are calling for increased funding under ‘Heading 2: cohesion, resilience, and values’ to address the social crisis facing people across Europe today.
The current social protection systems are under pressure, leaving families with difficult choices. The rising cost of living is a major concern for Europeans, with many facing bill-paying difficulties and risking poverty. We also highlight the need for continued support for Ukrainians and the importance of cohesion funding. We express concern that the proposed budget does not adequately address social objectives and risks the EU’s ability to invest in social, health, and cohesion programs. We recommend increasing funding for social inclusion and poverty reduction programs, reducing administrative burden, and ensuring that cohesion funding is not reallocated to other priorities. Cohesion funding is crucial for reducing regional inequalities and promoting social and health infrastructure.
