Subject: Safeguarding the European Social Fund in the MFF 2028–2034
From: "Haydn hammersley" <[email-masked]>
To: "Risto Kaljurand - RK" <[email-masked]>, "Info - RAM" <[email-masked]>
Cc: <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:50:51 +0200

Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.

Dear Prime Minister,

Dear Minister Ligi,

We are contacting you on behalf of 24 European organisations working in the 
field of human rights and social policy. We come to you with the following 
plea ahead of the European Council meeting on the 18 and 19 December. In 
attachment is the letter signed by the 24 organisations in question 
outlining our concerns about the proposed architecture for the EU’s future 
Multiannual Financial Framework, particularly regarding the European Social 
Fund. Our letter, for your consideration, reads as follows:

We, the undersigned organisations representing employment, the social 
economy, philanthropy, social inclusion, fight against poverty, equality, 
carers, and public services and workers in those services, across the 
European Union, write to you with urgency and conviction.

For decades, the European Social Fund (ESF) – as enshrined in the Treaty - 
has been the EU’s main instrument for jobs and social cohesion. It has 
driven investments into employment, training, equality, skills development, 
the social economy and for the social inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Beyond its social mission, The ESF also strengthens Europe’s competitiveness 
and sustainable growth. By concretely supporting the creation of 
employment — particularly for groups at risk of labour market exclusion such 
as persons with disabilities, migrants, NEETs, and longterm unemployed — the 
ESF strengthens Europe’s human capital and labour force and ensures that no 
talent is wasted. Moreover, by investing in the social economy, the ESF 
nurtures one of Europe’s most dynamic and resilient sectors, which generates 
inclusive jobs, fosters innovation, and contributes directly to the Union’s 
competitiveness.

The ESF is a fundamental pillar of the European model. A strong ESF is 
therefore not only a matter of social justice, but also a strategic 
investment in Europe’s economic future.

As you prepare the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, we 
call on you to safeguard and strengthen the EU budget by restoring the ESF’s 
structure and financial allocations.

Current MFF proposals - notably the National and Regional Partnership Plans 
(NRPP) and ESF Regulations - risk eroding the legacy of cohesion policy.

The proposed MFF 2028–2034 aims to modernise EU funding through 
simplification and performance-based approaches. But it leaves critical gaps 
that threaten inclusive growth, competitiveness and cohesion. As they stand, 
the current proposals present three risks for the efficient execution of EU 
funding:

1.	Dilution of thematic focus: the integration of the ESF into broader 
Partnership Plans, without a clear definition of its scope, objectives, or 
allocation of resources, risks sidelining the specific needs of investments 
into social objectives.
2.	Lack of defined objectives: while the social principles must remain 
horizontal, Regulations need to ensure clarity and predictability for the 
financial allocations to fulfil their objectives.
3.	Governance ambiguity: the absence of dedicated managing authorities for 
ESF interventions could weaken stakeholder participation and accountability.

Without clear social objectives in the NRPP Regulation and greater precision 
in the ESF Regulation, the sustainability of effective models from past 
programming periods is at risk.

Unless these shortcomings are resolved, the Union risks undermining its own 
commitments - as enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights and in 
its overarching objectives for competitiveness and sustainable growth.

The ESF has been pivotal in turning these commitments into tangible 
outcomes: fostering quality employment and protecting the workforce, 
reducing poverty, advancing equality, and strengthening the social economy 
as a driver of innovation and resilience. Diluting its role would not only 
endanger social cohesion but also weaken Europe’s global competitiveness by 
neglecting its most valuable investment — its people.

At this critical juncture, Member States – alongside the European 
Parliament - must act to restore the value of the ESF and secure the 
continuation of its proven successes. In pursuit of a competitive and 
inclusive Europe, we urge you to integrate the following proposals into 
future negotiations:

1.	Preserve thematic focus: reintroduce detailed thematic priorities within 
the NRPP Regulation to ensure targeted support for inclusive growth, 
employment and labour market access, social inclusion and poverty reduction, 
skills development and lifelong learning and support for the social economy.
2.	Align with the 14% earmarking provision: establish a clear link between 
the direct allocation of 14% of resources for social objectives under the 
NRPP Regulation and the future ESF. This should provide Member States with 
concrete guidance on eligible actions, prevent the dilution of social policy 
interventions, and avoid short‑terminist operations - thereby ensuring 
sustained, long‑term investments.
3.	Restore ESF strategic objectives: reinstate the ESF’s original content, 
clearly specifying its core objectives and investment priorities, in line 
with previous programming periods, and explicitly including employment, 
social inclusion, skills development, and support for the social economy.
4.	Link objectives to performance indicators: ensure that ESF legal 
provisions and defined objectives are directly tied to social indicators in 
the Performance Framework, enabling strategic planning and measurable 
impact.
5.	Enable dedicated managing authorities: Include provisions in the ESF 
Regulation that allow Member States to establish and maintain dedicated 
managing authorities for ESF programmes, ensuring continuity and strategic 
depth.

The ESF is not merely a financial instrument; it is a symbol of Europe’s 
commitment to solidarity, equality, and inclusion. Preserving its integrity 
within the MFF 2028–2034 is essential to ensure that the Union delivers on 
its promise of a fairer, more cohesive society.

We urge you to reinstate the ESF as the Union’s primary instrument for 
social cohesion, ensuring no one is left behind and that investment in 
people remains central to Europe’s future.

Signed by:

European Disability Forum (EDF)

European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy (REVES)

European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities 
(EASPD)

European Network of Social Integration Enterprises (ENSIE)

AGE Platform Europe

European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR)

Caritas Europe

ILGA Europe

CEC - Acting for Social Inclusion

Lifelong Learning Platform - European Civil Society for Education

COFACE Families Europe

Philea

Eurocarers

RREUSE

Eurodiaconia

Samaritan International

European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)

Social Economy Europe (SEE)

European Council of Associations of General Interest (CEDAG)

Social Platform

European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH )

Social Services Europe

European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU)

European Food Banks Federation (FEBA)