The EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) sets the long-term budget and the Union’s political priorities. With the Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 MFF now on the table, policymakers have a chance to raise ambition across climate, social, economic and security goals. This framing paper outlines the key needs the next MFF must address and sets criteria for assessing the future EU budget, drawing on expert analyses. Faced with rising security threats, economic weaknesses and unmet climate and social commitments, the EU needs a larger, better-designed budget. The authors examine required volume, spending priorities, and reforms to governance and implementation structures.
Check out our web dossier An MFF fit for purpose Assessing Europe’s long-term budget.
Product details
Table of contents
1. Why the numbers matter
- The MFF at a glance
- The European Commission’s proposal at a glance
- Own resources to overcome Member States’ zero-sum thinking
2. Spending priorities
- Climate and environment
- Social spending
3. Structure and governance
- Strong multi-level governance mechanisms and democratic legitimacy
- Robust conditionalities for the receipt of EU funding
- Impactful spending with EU added value to deliver on climate and social objectives