It is envisaged that these plans will be developed in collaboration with EU member states, regions and stakeholders and will promote convergence, support reforms, and reduce regional disparities. It is intended that less developed regions will be protected by minimum funding thresholds.
In terms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Commission notes that farmers will continue to receive income support, including environmental and risk-management measures, under a simplified funding framework.
The new MFF proposal, which was launched on 16 June, also places a strong focus on social inclusion and employment. Through the European Social Fund Plus, it intends to support education, equal opportunities, strong social safety nets, and efforts to fight poverty – while respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights. Transparency will be increased through a centralised database of EU funding recipients.
It is foreseen that there will be an extension of the successful Erasmus+ programme and a merging of programmes that invest in supporting mobility, democratic values, cultural freedom, and civil society under the AgoraEU programme.
A proposed new European Competitiveness Fund aims to drive strategic investments in clean and digital transitions, health, biotech, defence, and space. This fund will be linked closely with the Horizon Europe research programme and will streamline access and accelerate project funding.
Another key focus of the MFF will be to enhance Europe’s resilience and preparedness for crises through a new €400 billion loan-based mechanism, greater support for health and civil protection, and an agriculture reserve.
Defence and strategic autonomy will be bolstered through expanded investments in dual-use infrastructure and cybersecurity, and a significant increase in funding for defence and space projects under the Competitiveness Fund.
In migration and internal security, the Commission proposes tripling funding to €34 billion. This will support border management, law enforcement, and implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
