The EU’s main fund for tackling social problems should not be split up. That is the opinion of a majority in the European Parliament. The fund should remain independent, and sufficient money must be allocated to education and fighting child poverty. It is also important that entrepreneurship continues to be supported by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The Members of the European Parliament are concerned about the European Commission’s attempts to split or merge the ESF+ with other funds. They fear that this could undermine the fund’s goals. The ESF+ must remain autonomous, and any potential reform of this important fund must not deviate from its mission.
The ESF+ is the only EU fund that directly focuses on social policy and ensures people can grow in employment and income. If it were up to the European Parliament, the fund will continue to exist. On Wednesday in Strasbourg, the Parliament adopted a report serving as a basis for discussions on the future of the ESF+. The report states, among other things, that the fund “must remain the primary instrument to assist member states, regions and local communities in strengthening the social dimension of the EU.”
Member of the European Parliament and rapporteur Marit Maij (PvdA) calls it “a strong signal” from the European Parliament. “We only move forward together if we ensure that everyone can participate in society. We must continue to focus on improving the positions of children, women, refugees, young people, and other vulnerable groups. And we must eliminate the causes of poverty and social exclusion. This is achievable with a robust and generous ESF+.”
With a budget of 142.7 billion euros for the period 2021-2027, the ESF+ contributes to employment, social education and skills policies, as well as structural reforms in these areas within the EU.