European Committee of the Regions (CoR) opposed the European Commission’s proposal to merge the European Social Fund (ESF) into national plans, calling for the ESF to remain a separate instrument. The CoR also urged an increase in the ESF budget to more than €124 billion for the 2028‑34 period. The request was adopted unanimously by the CoR plenary on 2 July 2026, with the opinion drafted by Tom Jungen, mayor of Roeser (LU/PES). Members cited depopulation, energy poverty, unemployment and homelessness as social emergencies that require adequate EU financial resources. They argued that the current 14 % minimum target for social spending is insufficient and that a stronger ESF would support the European Pillar of Social Rights, child poverty, and youth employment.
© European Union (1995‑2025).
Summary adapted from material on the European Committee of the Regions website (https://cor.europa.eu ).
Original source © European Union under CC BY‑4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .
Made by AI. If you spot anything of concern write us at contact@cybach.com. We’ll promptly correct irregularities.