With EU leaders expected to debate the EU’s next multi-annual financial framework this week, below are our recommendations on how the next MFF can become a future proof-budget that works for all citizens. 

• Link the EU budget with its strategic priorities, as set by the European Council, with the aim to invest the EU’s resources in the policy areas that are at the top of the EU agenda in the next 7 years. 

• Ensure an ambitious budget with sufficient resources, one that can meet citizens’ expectations on what the EU should deliver on, thus making the new MFF an agent of change for a more fair, safe, sustainable and inclusive EU;

• Introduce a combination of new own resources which could make the EU budget more independent from Member State contributions, hence alleviate them from the pressure of providing the balk of the EU’s financial resources;

• Gear the EU budget towards supporting the transition to sustainable renewable energy, decarbonisation and the circular economy, in line with the goals of the EU Green Deal, the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals;

• Give the Common Agricultural Policy clearer priorities and more proportionate funding, so that resources can be directed to more pressing challenges;

• Invest in education and skills, in fostering innovation that makes European companies thrive, and protect those who are involved in labour transitions;

• Create a closer link between the financial support provided to Member States from the EU budget and their compliance with EU rules and values, such as the rule of law, structural reforms related to the annual country-specific recommendations, deficit rules and participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office;

• Dedicate enough resources to existing and new initiatives that support and empower youth, such as Erasmus+, the Youth Guarantee, the Skills Agenda and the European Solidary Corps, as well as ensuring better access to EU funding for youth organisations;

• Help to stabilise and diversify the civil society landscape in the EU and in enlargement countries, through increased and more accessible funding in terms of operating and project grants;

• Protect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in need, both in Europe and in refugee camps abroad, addressing the root causes of mass population movement and forced displacement, and supporting social inclusion policies for successful integration.

• Invest in enhancing the EU’s security and defence cooperation and capabilities to address the changing geopolitical landscape the EU finds itself in

• Boost the EU’s digital transformation and strengthen digital skills, while ensuring a safe digital ecosystem for citizens, companies and governments

For the full array of our recommendations please see our position on:

• A future-proof European Union budget
• EU Own Resources