Statement on the EU's next long-term budget Multiannual Financial Framework

As the newly elected President of the European Economic and Social Committee I reaffirm the Committee's previous call for a strong and ambitious Multiannual Financial Framework that serves not merely as a budgetary tool but critically also as a core driver to deliver the Union's shared objectives while safeguarding the principles of inclusiveness, partnership and democratic participation that lie at the heart of the European project.

While the Commission's proposal for a simplified and flexible budget for the Union follows the right approach to prepare and react to the multilayered challenges Europe is facing, the proposed simplification and flexibility must be matched by guarantees of inclusiveness and accountability.

The Committee warns against the centralisation of the management of key funds at national level - particularly cohesion, agricultural and fisheries funds – which risks undermining subsidiarity, trust and cohesion.

Such an approach could create fragmentation and competition among Member States, leading to "less Europe" instead of stronger cooperation and solidarity in support of long-term convergence across regions.

The effective functioning of the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) will depend on their ability to maintain a strong link between EU governance and regional and local partners, who naturally know best the economic and social realities where investments are needed. Empowering these partners alongside social partners and organised civil society is essential to ensure that EU funding is efficient, legitimate, and democratically anchored at every level.

It is also worth noting that the pooling of funds which have separate objectives is not advisable.

All of these factors should inform our approach and suggest a need for careful re-assessment.

On the broader issue of financing, the EESC supports a balanced package of new own resources to strengthen the Union’s financial autonomy and resilience, designed transparently and in a spirit of solidarity among Member States.

I believe that only through a participatory and inclusive MFF – one that promotes the economic and social life of everybody - can we continue delivering a Union of opportunities, security and resilience for all.

Under my leadership the Committee – as the direct voice of civil society at the heart of Europe - will engage fully with the other EU institutions in the coming period to help ensure an outcome that reflects the best of what Europe can be.

For more information, please contact:

Hugh Reilly
Senior Communication Advisor/Spokesperson
EESC President's Cabinet
+32 2 546 8727
Hugh.Reilly@eesc.europa.eu