Defence Skills and Training through the ESF+ Reform

The 2025 amendment to the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) represents a decisive step in linking social policy with Europe’s strategic defence needs. Traditionally, ESF+ has focused on social inclusion, employment activation and skills development in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights. With the geopolitical context shifting after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the regulation now explicitly incorporates training and re-skilling for the defence sector, including dual-use technologies, cybersecurity and civil preparedness. This integration reflects a recognition that strategic autonomy requires not only industrial capacity but also human capital. By adapting the ESF+ to include defence priorities, the EU ensures that its workforce is prepared for emerging threats and equipped with skills relevant to critical sectors. This reform aligns social cohesion with security resilience, transforming ESF+ into a tool for both prosperity and preparedness.