The European Social Fund amounts to about 142 billion euros.

Omissions

• The MEP did not specify that this is the total budget for the 2021-2027 multiannual programming period, not an annual allocation. Without this context, a listener unfamiliar with EU budgetary cycles could mistakenly interpret the figure as annual spending.
• The claim does not clarify that the €142 billion is the total budget including national co-financing contributions; the EU budget portion alone is approximately €95.1 billion.
• The MEP used the older name 'European Social Fund' rather than the current official designation 'European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)', which has been in use since the 2021-2027 programming period began.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Social Fund Plus – Official EU WebsiteWith a budget of €142.7 billion for the period 2021-2027, the ESF+ will continue to provide an important contribution to the EU's employment, social, education and skills policies.
• PrimaryWhat is the ESF+? – European CommissionThese resources have a budget of €142 billion for the 2021-2027 programming period (of which €95.1 billion from the EU budget).
• PrimaryEuropean Social Fund Plus – DG Employment, Social Affairs & InclusionThese resources have a budget of €142 billion for the programming period 2021-27 (of which €95.1 billion from the EU budget).
• SecondaryHow is the EU combating poverty and social exclusion? – Epthinktank (European Parliament)The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for 2021 to 2027 has a €142 billion to support the EU's employment, social, education and skills policies.