The EU must protect welfare states at any costs
Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General, has twice this year stated that Europe’s defence spending is too low, blaming the European social model—particularly funding for health and pensions. He is pushing for EU member states to increase national military defence spending while reducing public investment in social protection.
This comes after years of austerity policies that have severely impacted people’s lives, human rights, and dignity.
2025 is a pivotal year for the protection of social rights! In this context, with other 10 EU civil society organisations, we have publish a statement calling on the European Commission, member states, and the European Parliament to prioritise and safeguard social spending. In the face of mounting pressure to redirect funds towards military and defence budgets, it is crucial to protect social welfare and ensure that budgetary decisions uphold people’s well-being.
The 95 million people living in poverty cannot wait any longer. This is about human dignity, democracy, human rights, social cohesion, and the EU’s ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Read full statement here
#SocialJustice #EndPoverty
European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Caritas Europa COFACE Families Europe Emmaüs Europe Eurochild Eurodiaconia European Network against Racism (ENAR) European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network FEANTSA PICUM (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants) Social Platform Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice
