New position on the future EU budget: A strong social dimension for the MFF 2028–2034

At a time when Europe faces mounting geopolitical, economic, social and environmental challenges, CESI calls for an ambitious and forward-looking EU budget that places workers, public services and social cohesion at its centre.

The negotiations on the next long-term EU budget take place against a backdrop of unprecedented transformation. From geopolitical instability and the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to demographic change, labour shortages, climate change and rapid digitalisation, the European Union is expected to deliver solutions to challenges that transcend national borders.

In its newly adopted position paper, CESI stresses that these expectations must be matched by adequate financial resources. The future MFF should become a genuine European investment framework that strengthens resilience, competitiveness and sustainability while safeguarding social justice and quality employment.

“Europe’s future competitiveness depends on strong public services, skilled workers, fair labour markets and robust social protection systems. Economic competitiveness and social justice are mutually reinforcing and must be pursued together,” the position paper states.

CESI considers that the overall size of the future EU budget must reflect the Union’s growing responsibilities and investment needs. The confederation supports efforts to modernise the EU’s system of own resources to ensure stable and sustainable financing while avoiding a disproportionate burden on workers and households.

The position paper calls for increased investments in sustainable economic growth, innovation, research, strategic industries, public infrastructure, the green and digital transitions, civil protection, defence readiness and economic, social and territorial cohesion.

A central demand of CESI is a stronger social dimension across all areas of the future budget. CESI calls for the European Pillar of Social Rights to become a guiding principle of the next MFF and emphasises the importance of maintaining visible and dedicated funding for employment, inclusion, skills development and social investment.

Particular attention should be given to addressing labour shortages and improving the attractiveness of essential professions, including in healthcare, social services, education, public administration, transport and security services.

Drawing lessons from recent crises, CESI highlights the strategic importance of resilient public services and strong public administrations. The position advocates increased EU support for investments in staffing, working conditions, occupational safety and health, mental health at work, and workforce retention in essential services.

At the same time, CESI reiterates its support for Europe’s green and digital transitions, provided they are socially fair, economically viable and accompanied by adequate support for workers, regions and sectors undergoing transformation. Quality job creation, upskilling and reskilling opportunities, worker protection and social dialogue must form an integral part of EU-funded transition policies.

The position paper also calls for greater investment in Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including research and innovation, artificial intelligence, clean industrial production, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.

Regarding defence and security, CESI recognises the need for stronger European preparedness and resilience. However, it underlines that additional investments in these areas must not come at the expense of social cohesion, public services or long-standing EU policies.

Furthermore, CESI strongly supports maintaining a robust cohesion policy and ensuring that less-developed, rural, remote and border regions continue to benefit from dedicated EU support.

Finally, CESI emphasises the importance of inclusive governance in the future MFF. All trade unions and recognized social partners must be systematically involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring of EU-funded programmes. In this context CESI calls for adequate, transparent and non-discriminatory funding opportunities for European trade unions and civil society organisations, recognising their essential role in democratic participation and policy development.

Read the full position paper here.

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