As negotiations begin on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years 2028–2034, the German Association for Public and Private Welfare has taken a clear position. For an organisation representing municipalities, federal states, welfare organisations and academia across all fields of social policy in Germany, the future of EU funding is not a technical budgetary issue. It is a question of how social cohesion and inclusion will be supported in practice.
In December 2025, the Association published a statement responding to the European Commission’s proposal for the next MFF. Building on earlier recommendations, the statement sets out concerns about increasing centralisation of EU funds and the risk that social objectives could be sidelined. This is also due to the proposal of combining the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) with other funding programmes.
A key issue for the Association is the proposed shift towards National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP) managed primarily at Member State level. From the German perspective, this proposal risks weakening the role of the federal states and contradicts the principle of subsidiarity. The Association argues that regional authorities have established structures, expertise and close knowledge of local needs. Preserving a legally and financially independent role for the regions is therefore essential.
The Association also calls for maintaining a strong and adequately funded cohesion policy, with dedicated and clearly identifiable budget lines for both the ERDF and the ESF+. Even if the Association’s office welcomes the fact that an ESF regulation maintains the fund, it warns that without separate allocations, social investment could be diluted. The ESF+ remains a crucial instrument to promote employment, social inclusion and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In addition, the ERDF must remain a separate funding instrument to ensure a strong regional policy, in particular for rural development.
Finally, the Association expresses concerns about the introduction of a performance-based funding approach. Social projects often generate impact in the medium to long term and may not fit short-term measurable indicators. A rigid performance logic could disadvantage innovative projects or projects targeting disadvantaged people, in addition to placing financial pressure on non-profit providers. Higher EU co-financing rates are also considered necessary, particularly given the tight financial situation of municipalities.
The German Association’s advocacy reflects the needs and interests of local and regional social services that rely on predictable, accessible, and adequately funded EU instruments. ESN shares many of these concerns, as we are advocating for a strong ESF+, meaningful involvement of local and regional authorities, and continued support for cooperation and mutual learning between social services across Europe.