Publié le24.02.2026 Circulaire

* : On the vote on the Opinion on the Interim report on the proposal for the multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034

Brussels, 24 February 2026

  • To: Members of the European Parliament in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL)

Dear Members of the European Parliament,

The ETUC would like to thank the Rapporteur, Ms Klara Dobrev, for her work. The proposals advanced in her draft opinion give greater prominence and resources to social policies in favour of workers, their families, and people in need — resources that otherwise risk, once again, remaining ancillary to other interests and constrained by competing policy priorities.

In view of the vote scheduled for tomorrow, 25 February, the ETUC invites all MEPs of the EMPL Committee to support the following points:

The ESF should remain a stand-alone programme, separate from the national and regional plans, with resources of at least €140 billion ring-fenced. Compromise amendments 1 to 10 go in this direction and can provide a good basis to improve the European Commission proposals. 

The ETUC welcomes the amendments proposed by the Rapporteur (amendments from 1 to 38). The Opinion will result reinforced by adopting amendments 134 (labour transitions), and amendments 187, 190 and 195 (nomenclature).

We would finally stress that the social dimension of the MFF should include, as a minimum and if not included in the compromise amendments:

  • The application of a social conditionality clause to all programmes (as in amendment 83)

  • The preservation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (amendment 27), or an equivalent mechanism, and paving the way for a SURE 2.0 instrument (amendment 28);

  • A properly financed Child Guarantee (amendment 19).

  • Partnership principle and role of social partners (amendments 9 and 14)

The EMPL Committee has the responsibility to send a strong message to all EU decision-makers that social policies are at the core of European integration and act as a driver for the EU economy. 

Best regards,

Tea Jarc
ETUC Confederal Secretary