EU leaders are meeting today, 19 June 2026, to discuss a common position on the next Multiannual Finance Framework (MFF), following a proposal by the European Commission, which civil society warns risks significantly weakening EU social funding in the years to come. In an open letter to the EU leaders, over 250 European and national organisations warn that the European Commission’s proposal, in its current form, will weaken the EU’s ability to support people and regions most in need. 

Instead, these organisations recommend that the European Council strengthen the European Social Fund (ESF+) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as more suitable and effective tools to direct EU investment into people and regions most in need.

Access the letter here