The EESC has adopted an opinion on the Mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework 2021-27 proposed by the Commission last June. The Committee feels that the proposal lacks the ambition to respond properly to Europe's key challenges. Short-term solutions are needed to address its shortcomings. The debate on the new MFF should start soon.

The Commission's proposal includes EUR 50 billion for the Ukraine Facility, EUR 15 billion for migration and external action, a EUR 160 billion investment platform called STEP, and an additional facility to address rising interest rates. The EESC criticised the proposal for lacking ambition and for not being connected to strategic foresight, calling for more civil society involvement. Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, praised the EESC's influence and emphasised the need for EU cooperation.

Regarding the Ukraine Facility, the EESC supported using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction and called for a "major sustained commitment." The EESC was disappointed by the minimal allocation to STEP and the absence of a European Sovereignty Fund proposal. They called for the budget to be adaptable and to be aligned with political ambitions. The EESC continues to push for a more ambitious financing scheme for the EU's competitiveness. (tk)