As Europe goes through major transitions - clean, digital, demographic - investing in its greatest asset, its people, is more important than ever. The EU’s long-term budget will be key in promoting social rights. Through targeted investments, it will support quality jobssocial inclusioneducation and skillsaffordable housing and social infrastructure. Investing in people also means supporting democratic participation and a vibrant civic space, as well as protecting artistic and cultural freedom. The long-term budget will continue to invest in the areas of skills, culture, media and values. Page contents Page contents Key figures At least 14%of national and regional partnership plans dedicated to social expenditure93 millionEuropeans at risk of poverty or social exclusion€41 billionfor reinforced Erasmus+ Tailoring investments to local needs As part of the new national and regional partnership plans, the European Social Fund will support education, employment and social objectives such asreforms and investments in reskilling and upskillingimproving the quality of education and training systemsfighting poverty and homelessness. In addition, Member States will benefit from Catalyst Europe policy loans to support social inclusion and skills development. Tackling poverty Through partnership plans, the European Social Fund will promote equal opportunities for allsupport strong social safety netsfoster social inclusionintergenerational fairness, andfight poverty. The new plans will support the most vulnerable, strengthening the European social model. Promoting social innovation The EU Facility will boost innovation across the social economy by supportingmicrofinance and social enterprise financesocial economysocial infrastructure (including health and educational infrastructure)social and student housing. Supporting learning and addressing skills gaps A reinforced Erasmus+ programme will be the backbone of the Union of Skills, providing essential funding forsport and youth initiativescross-cultural collaborationpersonal development opportunitiescommunity engagement projects.The European Competitiveness Fund will also help create quality jobs in strategic sectors, by supporting life-long learning, education, training projects and apprenticeships. Supporting civil society, shared values and democracy The long-term budget will support civil society with different programmes. For example, the national and regional partnerships and the Competitiveness Fund will support LIFE activities for the environment, biodiversity and circular economy. A strong AgoraEU programme will promote shared values, including democracy, equality and the rule of law and support the European cultural diversity, its audiovisual and creative sectors, media freedom and civil society involvement. What this means for the EUEmpowered people through skills, education, and jobsThe EU will invest in reskilling, upskilling, and quality education systems, helping citizens access better employment opportunities and adapt to green and digital transitions.Reduced poverty and greater social inclusionThrough targeted support for vulnerable groups and social infrastructure funding, the EU aims to reduce poverty and foster a fairer, more inclusive society.Stronger civic space and cultural freedomProgrammes will promote active citizenship, protect artistic and media freedom, and support cross-cultural collaboration, reinforcing democracy, diversity, and community engagement.Innovation in the social economy and strategic sectorsBy supporting microfinance, social enterprises, and lifelong learning, the EU will drive social innovation and create quality jobs in strategic, future-proof industries. What the EU budget delivers today Preserving natural heritageThe Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb, home to the largest collection in the country, is undergoing a major renovation, supported by EU budget. The project focuses on the historic Amadeo Palace, and aims to expand its capacity, increase the number of visitors and strengthen its scientific and museological work. This will create new jobs and position the Museum as a key driver of developmental tourism and cultural heritage preservation. Learn about other budget prioritiesInvesting in people, Member States and regionsDriving prosperity via competitiveness, research and innovationProtecting people and building preparedness and resilienceProtecting EuropeBuilding partnerships for a stronger Europe in the world
As Europe goes through major transitions - clean, digital, demographic - investing in its greatest asset, its people, is more important than ever. The EU’s long-term budget will be key in promoting social rights. Through targeted investments, it will support quality jobssocial inclusioneducation and skillsaffordable housing and social infrastructure. Investing in people also means supporting democratic participation and a vibrant civic space, as well as protecting artistic and cultural freedom. The long-term budget will continue to invest in the areas of skills, culture, media and values.
Empowered people through skills, education, and jobsThe EU will invest in reskilling, upskilling, and quality education systems, helping citizens access better employment opportunities and adapt to green and digital transitions.
Reduced poverty and greater social inclusionThrough targeted support for vulnerable groups and social infrastructure funding, the EU aims to reduce poverty and foster a fairer, more inclusive society.
Stronger civic space and cultural freedomProgrammes will promote active citizenship, protect artistic and media freedom, and support cross-cultural collaboration, reinforcing democracy, diversity, and community engagement.
Innovation in the social economy and strategic sectorsBy supporting microfinance, social enterprises, and lifelong learning, the EU will drive social innovation and create quality jobs in strategic, future-proof industries.
Preserving natural heritageThe Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb, home to the largest collection in the country, is undergoing a major renovation, supported by EU budget. The project focuses on the historic Amadeo Palace, and aims to expand its capacity, increase the number of visitors and strengthen its scientific and museological work. This will create new jobs and position the Museum as a key driver of developmental tourism and cultural heritage preservation.
