Presentation of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) by Mr Constantinos Masonos, co-chair of the MFF Ad Hoc Working Party
The proposal establishes the tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, a key instrument for delivering the policy ambitions outlined in the Commission’s proposal for the next long-term EU budget (2028–2034) and the political priorities for 2024–2029. It places research and innovation at the heart of the Union’s economy and investment strategy, promotes simplicity and flexibility, enabling faster and more strategic EU spending through clearer rules and more transparent procedures for applicants and stakeholders.
The opinion focuses on the proposal for a new funding programme on Single Market and Customs for the period 2028-2034. With € 6.2 billion (double the funding compared to the current long-term EU budget), the reinforced Single Market and Customs Programme will combine several previously standalone programmes (Single Market Programme, Customs, Customs Control Equipment Instrument, Fiscalis and the Union Anti-Fraud Programme) into one coherent strategy that should preserve EU economic security.
Download — EESC section opinion: Single Market and Customs Programme 2028-2034
In line with the European Commission President’s political guidelines, the initiative will aim to boost new industrial uses of AI and improve public services’ delivery, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
Download — EESC section opinion: Apply AI Strategy – strengthening the AI continent
This initiative seeks to revise EU CO₂ emission standards for new cars and vans to support a fact-based, economically viable and socially fair transition toward zero-emission mobility.
Ongoing (updated on 13/01/2026) - Bureau decision date: 18/11/2025
Europe has decided to launch the construction of gigafactories to produce batteries at high volumes to reindustrialize our continent and enhance our strategic autonomy. Yet, these projects focus on lithium batteries and to a great extent neglect the emerging technology of sodium batteries.
Sodium is present everywhere in Europe at a low cost, and desalinisation projects linked to an EU Blue Deal would increase this availability. The potential of a sodium battery manufacturing sector is therefore extremely interesting from both a competitive and sustainability point of view.
Download — EESC section opinion: Enhancing EU strategic autonomy and developing a greener and bluer economy: the potential of the sodium battery manufacturing sector
