Committee Backs Standalone European Social Fund
The Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted its position on the 2028-2034 European Social Fund and endorsed a mandate for negotiations with the Council.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Employment
The European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted its position on retaining the European Social Fund as a stand-alone programme for 2028-2034. The position was approved by 40 votes in favour, 6 against and 10 abstentions, with a proposed dedicated budget of €124.19 billion.
Why it matters
The position departs from the Commission's proposal, which would abandon the European Social Fund. The committee also endorsed a mandate for interinstitutional negotiations with the Council, which would shape how EU social spending is structured.
The proposed dedicated budget for the European Social Fund is €124.19 billion, and the committee position passed 40 in favour, 6 against and 10 abstentions. The negotiation mandate was approved 41 to 14 with one abstention, while plenary approval is still pending.
The players
European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee
The parliamentary committee responsible for employment, social policy and the European Social Fund, which adopted the position and negotiation mandate.
Council of the European Union
The EU body representing member state governments, with which Parliament must negotiate the final budget and programme terms.
The details
The committee proposes dedicated ESF chapters within the National and Regional Partnership Plans, with member states programming ring-fenced resources of at least 5% for Child Guarantee measures. Once member states adopt their full mandate, MEPs can begin interinstitutional negotiations.
Timeline
The committee vote on its position took place on 9 November 2026.
The proposed fund would cover the period 2028-2034.
Approval of the committee position and negotiation mandate is expected at a forthcoming plenary session.
Big Picture
The committee's position departs from the Commission's 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework proposal, which would abandon the European Social Fund. Retaining a dedicated fund would keep social spending as a distinct budget line in the next EU funding cycle.
If the fund is retained, social programmes financed through ESF chapters in national plans would keep a dedicated funding stream rather than being folded into broader budgets. Member states would also have to programme at least 5% of resources toward Child Guarantee measures.
The takeaway
The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether the European Social Fund survives as a distinct programme after 2027, so the committee's position marks a key step in that debate.
What happens next
The committee position and negotiation mandate are expected to be approved at a forthcoming plenary session, after which interinstitutional negotiations with the Council can begin.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore more Employment news on the site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Temas | Parlamento Europeo.
