The Commission’s proposal for the EU Budget post-2027 is better than in recent reports, but it must be drastically improved to advance social inclusion and human rights.
On Cohesion: Commission’s proposal not good enough
Cohesion spending has been one of the most successful investments from the Union.
The new proposal to distribute this funding through “National and Regional Partnership Plans” calls into question whether it will continue to be as effective in future.
The Commission’s proposal must be improved to ensure it continues delivering benefits to citizens:
- Cohesion funding must remain as a ‘separate pot’ and be given greater resources, rather than remaining the same in real terms compared to the last EU budget.
- Spending 14% of funding in the national plans on social objectives needs to be made a strict requirement rather than a mere “target” to avoid Member States underspending on support for marginalised communities
- Eventual ‘National and Regional Partnership Plans’ for using this funding must not be approved if they perpetuate the exclusion of persons with disabilities and inaccessible structures. Therefore, we expect to see ‘rules of access’ (so-called ‘enabling conditions’) that are enforced to prevent the use of EU Funds to violate human rights.
Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
“We are very wary of this 14% ‘social spending target’ for National and Regional Partnership Plans, as it seems an aspiration rather than a minimum requirement. We know too well that national governments often decide to underspend on social inclusion, including for persons with disabilities, when obligations are not in place.”
On civil society funding: separate funding stream must be reinforced
We welcome the continued funding for civil society under the new AgoraEU. This programme will be essential to ensure organisations keep bringing the views of the people they represent to policymakers and officials.
We now call on the Parliament and Council to keep the programmes separate – as they are in the Commission’s proposal – with increased funding specifically for equality and human rights. Civil society is operating in much harder conditions, and support is essential to ensure EU initiatives benefit everyone.
Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
“Civil society is at the heart of Europe, and one of the most ardent defenders of the European Union. This must be reflected in the dedicated funding we receive to advance the Union’s values.”
Additional Information
- Statement “The next EU budget must keep supporting marginalised groups”
- Statement “Keep what works: 8 success factors for a future ESF+”
- Statement “Joint Letter and Meeting request – Safeguarding Civil Society: Concerns on Co-Funding Rates and Restrictions on Advocacy Work”
- Campaign “Ensuring the next EU Budget supports disability rights”