A collective of associations, unions, and employer organizations warns of the threats posed by France's 2026 budget draft to the associative sector. This key pillar of social cohesion risks losing over one billion euros in funding, worsening job insecurity and public services. As poverty and unemployment rise, these budget cuts endanger millions relying on these organizations.
Associations in France account for 10% of private sector employment, with over 1.9 million staff. Yet, cumulative budget cuts, inflation, and curbs on associative freedoms have severely weakened this vital democratic pillar. Beyond the numbers, real risks loom for job losses and scaled-back general interest activities.
A September survey by Le Mouvement associatif, Hexopée, and the RNMA network shows that 90,000 jobs hinge on associations with less than one month's cash reserves. This puts thousands at risk of sudden unemployment amid an already strained economy.
The 2026 finance bill, if passed unchanged, would slash over one billion euros from associative budgets. Over three years, state subsidies would drop by nearly 40%. Between 2015 and 2020, subsidies had already fallen by 41% in associative funding. Today, one-third of associations have cut activities to survive, while others shut down.
Local authorities, key funders, face their own budget constraints, curbing support for public services and associations. With poverty at a 30-year high of 15.4% per Insee data, rising unemployment, and growing job offshoring announcements, stripping away the economic, social, and human contributions of associations is an unacceptable threat to workers and the millions who depend on them.