MEPs Back Standalone Social Fund

The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has adopted its position on a proposed European Social Fund for 2028-2034, calling for the fund to remain a standalone programme with a dedicated budget of €124.19 billion.

The committee said the fund should support employment, skills development, education, social protection and inclusion, with a focus on equal opportunities and poverty reduction. Its proposal would establish dedicated European Social Fund chapters within national and regional partnership plans.

MEPs also called for member states to reserve at least 5% of the fund for measures supporting children under the European Child Guarantee, particularly those living in poverty or from disadvantaged backgrounds. The fund would also finance active labour-market policies, reskilling and upskilling, and support for regions affected by decarbonisation.

The position was approved by 40 votes to six, with 10 abstentions. Committee members separately endorsed a mandate for negotiations with the Council by 41 votes to 14, with one abstention. The position and negotiating mandate must still be approved by the full Parliament before interinstitutional talks can begin.