The report calls for a reinforcement of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to support people in vulnerable situations, invest in people and skills, help combat poverty, in addition to boosting social investment and entrepreneurship.

The text outlines Parliament’s input for the upcoming discussion on the budget ESF+, stressing it should remain the key tool to help member states, regions and local communities to strengthen the EU’s social dimension. The fund should tackle social challenges such as digitalisation, the consequences of climate change, decent working conditions, and the rising cost of living, with sufficient funding for education, training, and skills development.

MEPs are concerned about attempts to split or merge the ESF+ with other funds, as they believe this could seriously hamper its ability to reach its own objectives and the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights. They believe the ESF+ should remain an independent fund, and that any remodelling…