On the guidelines for the 2027 budget – Section III

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OPINION

The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Budgets, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following into its motion for a resolution:

1. Underscores the persistent socio-economic challenges facing the EU, including the EU’s economic decline on the world stage, demographic change, unemployment, poverty, and economic housing affordability and accessibility;

2. Highlights the essential role of EU programmes in the social fields in supporting the EU’s economic, social and territorial cohesion and fostering economic resilience;

3. Underscores the importance of implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and achieving its 2030 targets;

4. Notes, as 2027 is the last year of the current multiannual financial framework, the relatively low take-up of EU funds and calls for the Member States and the Commission to improve the use of EU funds, taking into account the recently adopted amending programmes;

5. Highlights the necessity of providing particular support to women, children, youth, families and vulnerable groups, and advocates for targeted measures to combat youth unemployment and child poverty;

6. Emphasises the lack of policy responses to the impact of the demographic challenges resulting from population ageing due to declining fertility rates and extended life expectancies; underscores the importance of adequate funding for care and support services;

7. Considers that a proficient and prepared workforce is essential to enhance the EU’s competitiveness and resilience against external shocks; recognises the essential role of skills, vocational training and traineeships;

8. Recalls the essential work carried out by the five EU agencies active in the social and employment policy areas and emphasises that these agencies must be properly staffed and adequately resourced to fulfil their mandate, achieve their objectives and perform their evolving tasks.

ANNEX: DECLARATION OF INPUT

The rapporteur for opinion declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not include in her opinion input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.