European social funds may now be used to help finance access to abortion, after the European Commission formally responded to the “My Voice, My Choice” citizens’ initiative.
In its official reply issued on Thursday, the Commission confirmed that member states could use existing EU financial instruments—notably the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)—to support access to what it describes as “safe and legal abortion care.”
It is the twelfth European Citizens’ Initiative to receive a formal response since the mechanism was created in 2012, out of a total of 127.
The ideological message was clear from the outset of the press conference. Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality and European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, referred to the approximately 483,000 abortions that the World Health Organization classifies as “unsafe” every year in Europe, stating: “Half a million women who may carry life-altering consequences, and this is half a million too many.”
According to the Commission, reducing the number of these “unsafe” abortions constitutes a public health objective that can be pursued through the mobilisation of already existing budgetary instruments.
However, no precise criteria were provided to define what constitutes an “unsafe” abortion, nor were budgetary estimates disclosed.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, said the new European gender equality strategy “will strengthen women’s health and rights across Europe, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights,” linking the response to the Commission’s broader equality agenda.
Rewriting the Rules Without New Laws
The Commission argues that no new European right or fund is required and that it is sufficient to reinterpret and make use of existing instruments, specifically the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
In the words of Commissioner Mînzatu: “It is possible to use EU funds to support member states’ efforts for better access to safe and legal abortion care.” This would be a voluntary decision by member states wishing to do so, by using or reallocating resources already foreseen in their national or regional programmes.
During the press conference, the practical functioning was explained: member states where abortion is legal could create specific ESF+-funded projects to finance access for women in vulnerable situations coming from other countries. “The mobility happens from a country where abortion is not performed to a country where abortion is legal, is possible, and ESF money is mobilised to be able to support the costs.”
The Commission insisted that national competences in healthcare are not being infringed. “Member States, of course, remain responsible for their own health policy and for the organisation and delivery of the health care services.” It was also underlined that no new European law is being created: “We are not trying to create a new law, a kind of European law.”
The ESF+ is one of the largest instruments in the EU budget, with a current allocation of €142.7 billion.
Traditionally focused on employment and social inclusion, it may now also fund abortion access.
A Different Answer for Pro-Life Campaigners
The favourable response to “My Voice, My Choice” contrasts with the treatment previously given to the “One of Us” initiative, which sought to reinforce the protection of the human embryo and to exclude European funding for activities involving its destruction. That initiative also surpassed the one-million-signature threshold required under the Lisbon Treaty.
In that case, the Commission concluded that it was not necessary to modify its legal or budgetary framework. Now, by contrast, faced with an initiative focused on expanding access to abortion, the response not only validates the legal possibility but actively encourages member states to use the resources available.
The difference is important: in one case, altering budgetary practice was dismissed; in the other, member states are explicitly invited to employ European social funds for abortion-related interventions.
Abortion and the Limits of EU Competence
The Commission framed its decision as a matter of dignity and rights. One of the Commissioners stated: “Providing quality and affordable healthcare to women is about respecting their rights and basic dignity.” She further stressed that “Safety and freedom must never depend on your postcode or your income.”
The use of common funds to facilitate abortion introduces a political dimension into an area traditionally reserved for member state sovereignty.
Formally, Brussels insists that it respects the Treaties and national competence in healthcare. Politically, however, the message is different: abortion is becoming structurally embedded within the Union’s equality and cohesion agenda.
This opens up a new internal front within the European Union in the midst of the debate on the budget for the period 2027-2034.
Javier Villamor is a Spanish journalist and analyst. Based in Brussels, he covers NATO and EU affairs at europeanconservative.com. Javier has over 17 years of experience in international politics, defense, and security. He also works as a consultant providing strategic insights into global affairs and geopolitical dynamics.
