Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have been in Strasbourg this week to attend the Plenary Session to discuss the general budget for the coming years. A particularly important topic for NGOs - social funding - was an item on the Agenda. With discussions to redirect this fund towards defence spending, this will shape EU social funding policy direction in the future. 

Why is this important for us? 

European Social Fund (ESF+)  

The plenary is currently voting on the proposal to amend the regulations and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for the current funding period.  

The European Commission wants to give Member States greater flexibility to redirect ESF+ funding towards strategic priorities such as defence and decarbonisation, including through faster financial injections.  

For EASPD members and partners, this debate is particularly relevant, as it may affect the availability of EU funds for social services in the short term. 

While this proposal is intended to make EU funding more responsive to urgent security challenges, it also raises concerns abouton whether such shifts might undermine the social objectives of ESF+. This includes employment, social inclusion, and support for vulnerable groups. 

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 

Simultaneously, on Wednesday, the Parliament adopted its report on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. This report, developed under the Committee on Budgets, outlines Parliament’s vision for the coming years. MEPs have firmly rejected the Commission’s proposal for a “one national plan per Member State” model and of mega-funds merging existing programmes. Instead, they are calling for a transparent, inclusive approach that actively involves regional and local actors. The report highlights the ongoing importance of cohesion policy in promoting economic, social, and territorial integration. MEPs are also advocating for simpler budget rules, without weakening the democratic scrutiny of the European Parliament. 

Future Steps: EASPD's Role  

Meanwhile, EASPD is actively engaging with MEPs and stakeholders on two key own-initiative (INI) reports that are particularly important for the future of social services and disability rights in Europe: 

• The reform of the Public Procurement Directive (2024/2103(INI)), currently being developed in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee. EASPD is working to ensure better inclusion of social considerations and fairer access for social service providers. A vote is expected on 7 July 2025. 

• The EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities post-2024 (2025/2057(INI)), led by rapporteur Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP), is now under preparation in the Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee, with adoption expected in the Plenary on 24 October 2025. 

Through regular dialogue with rapporteurs, shadow rapporteurs, and political advisors, EASPD continues to advocate for a strong policy framework that recognises and reinforces the role of social services in building a fairer, more inclusive, and resilient Europe. 

You will receive more updates on our news page as discussions progress.