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.
EESC opinion on Single Market and Customs Programme 2028-2034
The EU Competitiveness Fund, part of the Multiannual Financial Framework, will streamline support for innovation and industrial development by merging existing programmes, simplifying access – particularly for SMEs – and guiding investments across key sectors with unified rules and a shared financial toolbox.
Download — EESC opinion: Establishing the European Fund for Regional Development including for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund
The new state aid framework aims to draw from the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, a crisis measure to help countries support industry in the fallout from the pandemic and the Ukraine war. The new framework seeks to accompany the Clean Industrial Deal by setting out how Member States can design State aid measures to support its objectives, and will be in force until end 2030.
On 5 February 2025, the European Commission released its Communication on a “Comprehensive Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-Commerce.” The EESC opinion will build on this proposal to develop concrete measures that ensure fair competition with third-country online platforms.
EESC Call for fair competition with regard to third country platforms
