Time for Ambition: EARLALL Joins Call for a Strong European Social Fund
05/03/2025
On March 5, EARLALL joined over 250 organizations in signing the joint statement “Time for Ambition: The EU Needs a Strong Social Fund to Live Up to Its Commitments.” The initiative, led by the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), calls for a robust and independent European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) in the next EU budget.
The joint statement comes at a crucial time, ahead of the March 11 European Parliament plenary vote on the ESF+ Report. Concerns have been raised over potential budget cuts and the risk of merging funding mechanisms, which could weaken the fund’s impact. In response, civil society organisations across Europe are advocating for a stand-alone, fully-funded Social Fund to safeguard social inclusion, reduce inequalities, and support Europe’s global competitiveness.
EARLALL emphasizes that a well-funded ESF+ is essential not only for social inclusion but also for securing the skills necessary to drive Europe’s economic competitiveness and facilitate the green transition. By investing in education, training, and workforce development, the ESF+ can play a vital role in equipping European citizens with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
The call for a strong ESF+ aligns with the EU’s broader commitments to social justice, economic resilience, and sustainability. EARLALL and its partners urge policymakers to uphold their commitment to a future where social cohesion and economic strength go hand in hand.
Read the full joint statement and list of signatories here.
