Joint Statement: 100 billion Euros for social spending? The devil’s in the details
As a coalition of European social services, NGOs, public service providers, trade unions, lifelong learning, and social economy actors, we urge the EU to ensure that its ambition to eradicate poverty is matched with the right mix of policies, coordinated action, and sufficient, safeguarded funding. The proposed €100 billion for social spending in the next EU budget may seem promising. Still, without dedicated budget lines, earmarking for social inclusion, and binding obligations, it risks delivering less support than the current ESF+ and weakening investment in people.
We emphasise the urgent need to reinforce ESF+ as the backbone of social investment in Europe, protect funding for social inclusion and child poverty, and ensure that the new National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Plans do not dilute the guarantees previously secured for vulnerable groups. Meaningful engagement of regional and local authorities, civil society, and social economy actors is essential to reflect diverse needs, strengthen local initiatives, and ensure accountability. Clear safeguards, transparent monitoring, and comparable metrics are necessary to track progress toward the EU’s 2030 and 2050 poverty reduction targets.
Sustained political commitment is crucial to ensure that social rights are prioritised within the next financial framework, aiming for equitable access to essential services and lasting societal impact.
Read the statement here.
