The European Social Fund Plus post-2027
This report outlines proposals for the future of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) after 2027, aiming to strengthen the EU's social dimension and support socio-economic development for all citizens. The ESF+ primarily supports Member States in achieving high employment levels, ensuring equal opportunities, fair working conditions, and social inclusion, with a focus on education, training, and support for vulnerable groups. Key proposals include a significant budget increase, a reinforced focus on tackling poverty and inequality, and ensuring the fund remains a distinct instrument dedicated to social policies, avoiding mergers with other funds. The report emphasizes the need for increased funding, a simplified administrative process for beneficiaries, and greater involvement of local stakeholders in shaping and implementing ESF+ programs to better meet diverse regional needs.
Analysis
The ESF+ is the primary EU fund for social policies, supporting Member States in ensuring equal opportunities, fair working conditions, and social inclusion.
What changes
- Member States must allocate at least 5% of ESF+ resources to tackle child poverty, with those above the EU average allocating more.
- The ESF+ post-2027 should enhance access to affordable and decent housing and must include significant earmarking for tackling homelessness.
- The earmarking for social inclusion should be raised beyond 25%, and earmarking for aid to the most deprived should be set at 5%.
Expected impact
- Increased ESF+ funding and specific earmarking for child poverty aims to reduce the number of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
- Enhanced support for affordable housing and homelessness measures is intended to improve living conditions and reduce social exclusion.
- Simplifying application and reporting procedures for ESF+ funding aims to reduce administrative burdens, particularly for smaller organisations.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution and does not contain specific budgetary figures for the proposed increase in the ESF+ budget.
- The document does not detail the specific mechanisms or criteria for the proposed financial reserve instrument for social emergencies.
- The document does not provide quantitative targets for the reduction of administrative burdens.
Shadow Rapporteurs
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