Discussions on the European Union’s future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 are due to continue on Wednesday 1 April in the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States to the EU (Coreper II). According to a working paper issued by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and consulted by Agence Europe, the discussions will focus on the financing of the EU’s next long-term budget.
Last July (see EUROPE 13682/1), the European Commission proposed a 2028-2034 MFF worth €1.98 trillion in current prices, or 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income (GNI). This means being able to tackle a range of priorities identified by the Member States, mainly relating to defence, security and competitiveness, as well as maintaining traditional policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and cohesion.
However, funding requirements are increasing as budgetary constraints intensify, making the question of own resources a major issue.
While the Commission is proposing a basket of new own resources, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and a company-based resource, which should raise up to €459 billion, or 23% of the future MFF, there is no consensus on this proposal.
For example, according to discussions within the Council of the EU (see EUROPE 13830/1), Member States are divided on the idea of a larger contribution based on GNI.
Countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands reject any significant increase in national contributions, while France, supported in particular by Spain, Portugal and Greece, is calling for new own resources.
With a view to its meeting on Wednesday 1 April, Coreper II has been asked to present political guidelines on support for the introduction of new own resources or on the options available to make up any financing shortfall, in particular through an increase in national contributions, a reduction in expenditure or recourse to debt.
These discussions should help to draw up the first negotiating box, with figures, expected by June, with a view to a final agreement by the end of 2026. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)