People and Places at the heart of the European Union

forthcoming

The 2025 European Parliament Winter Survey shows that Europeans have high expectations of the European Union regarding protecting them from all types of risk. Alongside the need for protection from global and security risks, the need to address high costs of living and inequalities was a particular concern, with 31% identifying the fight against poverty and social exclusion as a priority for the European Parliament. This reinforces previous surveys that have identified similar priorities. Therefore, retaining an ambitious trajectory towards achieving the three headline targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights will be essential in the coming years. At the same time, the drive towards a digital and green transition means that more than ever we need to have flexible social protection systems that respond to changing needs and social services that can effectively deliver services that address multiple needs through a combination of approaches, including digitalisation. The European Pillar of Social Rights provides a framework where people and places can be put at the heart of the EU alongside the desire for security and an economy that promotes social fairness while respecting the need to work towards a greener future. We must ensure that the ambition of the EPSR, and its related action plans, is reflected in the reality of its implementation so that Europeans can see that the EU and member states are addressing their concerns. These are social, economic, and democratic challenges, and it is these challenges that Eurodiaconia will respond to through this Framework Partnership Agreement. We will do so by building the capacity of our members on social policies, including how EU funds can be used most effectively for social change and using that increased capacity to provide evidence based contributions to EU social policy process that are realistic, innovative and most of all, impactful on the lives of our citizens and all who reside in the EU.