MEPs David Casa and Marit Maij have struck a united front in defence of the European Social Fund (ESF), warning against proposals that could weaken the EU’s main instrument for social investment by merging it into a broader funding structure.
Speaking during an event discussing the future of the ESF, both co-rapporteurs stressed that social funding must remain distinct and protected if Europe is to continue addressing poverty, social exclusion, skills shortages and labour market challenges effectively.
The discussion comes at a crucial stage in negotiations over the EU’s future budgetary framework, with concerns emerging over proposals by the European Commission to place social funding within wider national funding “pots”, potentially forcing social priorities to compete with other sectors for resources.
Addressing stakeholders and beneficiaries of EU-funded programmes, EPP MEP Casa argued that the European Union has a central role to play in the social sector, describing the ESF as one of the bloc’s most important tools for investing directly in people.
He noted that the fund has benefitted generations of Europeans, supporting students pursuing further studies, workers seeking new skills, vulnerable individuals, persons with disabilities and employers alike.
Casa warned that placing social funds within a broader framework risks diluting their impact and undermining long-term social investment across member states.
He insisted that he was not prepared to support legislation that jeopardises the independent nature of the ESF or weakens its focus on social priorities.
Marit Maij echoed those concerns, warning that the Commission’s proposal could create competing policy priorities at national level, potentially reducing the visibility and effectiveness of social investment programmes.
The Socialist MEP stressed that both rapporteurs are fighting for a separate, standalone social fund with its own dedicated budget, arguing that Europe cannot afford to weaken programmes aimed at supporting children, young people and vulnerable communities.
Maij said the ESF must continue functioning as a clear and focused instrument capable of improving people’s everyday lives, particularly at a time when many European countries are facing growing economic uncertainty and social pressures.
The event also heard from Malta’s Minister responsible for EU funds, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who described the ESF as a direct investment in people and highlighted the impact the fund has already had in Malta.
He noted that between 2014 and 2020, more than 72,500 individuals benefitted from ESF-supported schemes in Malta, including wage subsidy initiatives, upskilling and reskilling programmes, and financial support for students continuing their education.
The Minister also pointed to investments in healthcare and digitalisation, arguing that Europe must ensure citizens are adequately prepared for changing economic realities and labour market demands.
Looking ahead, Zrinzo Azzopardi said Malta wants the ESF to remain a distinct fund rather than being absorbed into wider financing mechanisms. He also called for greater flexibility in how the funds are used, particularly for countries facing unique realities such as insularity and demographic pressures.
He stressed that future funding priorities should continue focusing on skills, inclusion and resilience, arguing that the ESF remains essential not only for investing in people, but also for building a stronger and more competitive Europe.
The event brought together various organisations and beneficiaries of EU social funding programmes, including Caritas Malta, Inspire Foundation, the University of Malta and representatives from the private sector.
