Casa wins backing for stronger European Social Fund

The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee today backed proposals led by PN Head of Delegation in the European Parliament David Casa and co-rapporteur Marit Maij to strengthen the European Social Fund.

The vote marks a major step towards protecting Europe’s investment in jobs, skills and social support in the next EU budget.

“This fund is about people. It helps workers gain new skills, young people find opportunities and families access support when they need it most. Today’s vote gives us a strong basis to defend that investment in the negotiations ahead,” Casa said.

Casa has worked to keep the fund focused on its core social purpose, with dependable funding and clear priorities. He has pushed for a strong, distinct European Social Fund that continues to support employment and tackle poverty and social exclusion.

“Investment in people must remain a European priority. The organisations delivering training, employment services and support in our communities need certainty. The people relying on those services deserve it.”

Casa also welcomed the exclusion of “My Voice, My Choice” from the text adopted by the committee.

“We kept ‘My Voice, My Choice’ out of this text. Our focus remains on strengthening the Social Fund and delivering on its core objectives: workers, young people, families, children.”

The proposals build on consultations with social partners, civil society and organisations delivering EU-funded programmes, including stakeholders in Malta and Gozo.

Casa, who also served as rapporteur on the current European Social Fund Plus regulation, said he would continue working to protect these priorities as negotiations progress.

“Today we have taken an important step forward. I will keep working for a fund that creates opportunities and supports those who need it most.”