Throughout the autumn, the European Union’s Member States are going to debate the ‘Competitiveness Fund’ and the “horizontal elements” (structure, flexibility, etc.) of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The goal of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU is still to present a ‘negotiating box’ that will cover all components, spending, and revenues in the MFF during the European Council meeting on 18 and 19 December 2025. The General Affairs Council meetings in October, November, and December will serve as intermediate phases.
In November, Member States’ ministers for European affairs will tackle the more sensitive subject of national and regional plans - that being Pillar 1 of the MFF, which the European Parliament is threatening to reject (see EUROPE 13731/15). According to several diplomatic sources, the MFF’s new structure will raise questions on governance. There are conflicting fears: from the fear of increased centralisation in Brussels, with a budget that is conditional on Member States’ performance, to the renationalisation of the European budget. The integration of the common agricultural policy into Pillar 1 also divides Member States, which want to protect agriculture or give preference to the EU’s new priorities (defence, competitiveness).
The Danish Presidency will submit a complete draft negotiating framework when the General Affairs Council meets in December in preparation for the discussion among the heads of state or government. The goal is not to reach an agreement but to create a solid basis for negotiation with the aim of reaching a final agreement at the end of 2026.
At this stage, Member States can be divided into two groups: those that are in favour of a modernised, simplified, and more flexible MFF and those that want to preserve cohesion and the existing common policies. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)