Social policy remains one of the most important areas of activity for the European Parliament, reflecting the European Union’s commitment to improving living standards, protecting workers and ensuring equal
opportunities for all citizens. Through its legislative and budgetary powers, Parliament plays a strategic role in determining the priorities of European social policy. These decisions subsequently provide the framework for action by the European Commission and EU Member States, which are responsible for implementing the agreed measures.
A recent vote in the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) illustrates the importance attached to this agenda. The committee has adopted its position on the proposed European Social Fund (ESF) for the 2028–2034 period, calling for a substantial and dedicated budget to support quality employment, professional skills, education and social protection across the EU.
MEPs want the European Social Fund to remain a stand-alone EU programme, with a dedicated budget of €124.19 billion, clearly defined objectives and specific requirements for how its resources should be spent. In their view, the fund must continue to serve as the EU’s principal instrument for investing in people, promoting social convergence, creating quality employment and ensuring equal opportunities.
The committee's position was approved by 40 votes in favour, six against and ten abstentions.
Investing in people and tackling social inequality
One of the central priorities identified by MEPs is the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The proposed fund should support investment in employment, education, vocational training, basic skills development and social inclusion.
Particular attention should be paid to ensuring equal access to the labour market, improving working conditions and strengthening social protection systems. MEPs also emphasise the importance of lifelong learning and inclusive education, as well as targeted investment in children and young people.
The objective is not simply to increase employment figures but to create a more inclusive European labour market in which people from different social and economic backgrounds have genuine opportunities to participate. Access to essential services, the reduction of poverty and the prevention of social exclusion are also among the priorities.
Child poverty becomes a major funding priority
The committee has also called for stronger financial commitments to tackling child poverty. Under its proposal, EU Member States should reserve at least 5% of relevant resources for measures under the European Child Guarantee.
The initiative is intended to improve access for vulnerable children to essential services, including education, healthcare, adequate nutrition and housing support. MEPs argue that funding must be stable and predictable, while taking into account the specific needs of individual countries and regions.
This approach reflects growing recognition that child poverty has long-term consequences for social mobility, educational achievement and economic development. Investing in children is therefore considered an important component of the EU's broader strategy for social and economic cohesion.
Supporting workers through economic transformation
Another important element of the proposed European Social Fund is support for workers and regions affected by changes in the European economy.
MEPs believe that Member States should retain the ability to finance active labour market policies, retraining and professional development programmes. These measures are particularly important for regions disproportionately affected by decarbonisation and the transition towards a climate-neutral economy.
The European Parliament's position emphasises that the green transition must also be a socially just transition. Workers whose jobs are threatened by industrial restructuring should have access to training, employment services and opportunities to acquire new skills.
This is particularly relevant as European industries adapt to new environmental requirements, technological developments and changing labour market demands.
MEPs call for a stronger European Social Fund
The committee's lead negotiator, David Casa (EPP, Malta), stressed that investment in people should remain at the centre of European policy.
"People are Europe’s best resource. And the European Social Fund is our best way of investing in people," he said, highlighting the need for stronger support for young people, workers and children.
Marit Maij (S&D, Netherlands), another lead MEP, described the vote as an important signal in favour of a social Europe. She argued that the European Union must remain more than a single marketplace, placing social integration, employment and assistance to vulnerable citizens among its fundamental priorities.
Maij also criticised the European Commission's proposal to discontinue the fund in its existing stand-alone form, arguing that preserving a dedicated European Social Fund is essential to maintaining clear social policy priorities.
The next stage of the legislative process
Following the adoption of its position, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee also approved a mandate for interinstitutional negotiations with the Council. The decision received 41 votes in favour, 14 against and one abstention.
Both the committee's position and its negotiating mandate are expected to be considered at an upcoming plenary session of the European Parliament. Formal negotiations with the Council can begin once EU Member States have adopted their own full negotiating mandate, including agreement on the overall funding levels for the next long-term EU budget.
The proposed European Social Fund forms part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, which will determine the EU's financial priorities for the coming seven years.
The debate over the fund is therefore part of a much wider discussion about the future direction of European integration. Parliament wants the next EU budget to remain a powerful investment instrument capable of responding to the needs of citizens, regions and businesses. MEPs have also called for a larger overall budget and new sources of revenue to ensure that the Union can meet its growing responsibilities.
The committee's vote demonstrates that social policy is not a secondary consideration in the European project but one of its central political and economic pillars. By defining funding priorities, setting social objectives and negotiating legislative frameworks, the European Parliament helps determine how the EU will address poverty, unemployment, inequality and the challenges of economic transformation.
The proposed €124.19 billion European Social Fund would provide an important financial foundation for these ambitions, although its final structure and budget will depend on negotiations between the EU institutions and Member States.
