As the new European Commission takes office, the debate on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the instrument that will define the EU’s resources and spending priorities from 2028, is getting underway. Against this background, the Communication “The road to the next multiannual financial framework” has been published, a 14-page document analysing how it can be adapted to new challenges and priorities.
The EU’s current financial framework covers the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027, with total spending of €1,211 billion. The budget is bolstered by NextGenerationEU, a temporary facility created to support the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, which has provided up to €807 billion. The new budget will need to balance intervention needs with the need to ensure repayment of NextGenerationEU loans. The new approach should include a key reform and investment plan for each country, developed and implemented in cooperation with national, regional and local authorities. A European competitiveness fund should then support investment in strategic sectors and key technologies. In addition, stronger protection of the rule of law and a revamped revenue system should ensure adequate and sustainable funding for Europe’s shared priorities.
“ The next long-term EU budget needs to be designed in a collective effort. I am committed to broad consultations and want to hear from Member States, regional and local governments, citizens and stakeholders what their views on the new European budget are. That is precisely why I have already embarked on the Tour d’Europe. The public consultations we launch today, along with the European citizen’s panel, are paving the way to the new European budget.”
These are the words of Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration, who refers to several initiatives aimed at gathering opinions and suggestions on the matter:
- Tour d’Europe: This initiative consists of a series of visits to various EU Member States, during which Serafin meets with national authorities, regional representatives, and beneficiaries of EU funds. The goal is to assess the impact of EU-funded projects and collect valuable feedback to help shape future budget priorities. For example, between February 3 and 4, 2025, Serafin traveled to Denmark and southern Sweden (Skåne), where he met with government representatives, members of parliament, and private sector stakeholders in Copenhagen. In the following weeks, he also visited Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to discuss topics such as European defense spending. The tour will continue throughout the year, with the aim of presenting a formal proposal for the next MFF in July 2025.
- European Citizens’ Panel: 150 randomly selected European citizens will gather to discuss and propose concrete suggestions for the future EU budget.
- Public consultations: Starting February 12, the Commission launched a 12-week open public consultation, inviting all citizens to influence the funding priorities that will shape Europe’s future before the formal proposal. The consultations can be accessed at the following links:
Implementing EU Funds with Member States and regions
EU funding for competitiveness
EU funding for external action
EU funding for civil protection, preparedness and response to crises
EU funding for the single market, and cooperation between national authorities
These initiatives help shape a budget that truly reflects Europe’s needs. Taking part in the open consultations is a concrete way to contribute to the decisions that will define the EU’s future. Join the debate!
