Ursula von der Leyen has called the EU's proposed long-term budget for 2028-2034 "the most ambitious ever," arguing that it would be more strategic, flexible and transparent. This policy report examines the most contested elements to assess its ambitions — and limits.
When European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework, she called it “the most ambitious ever proposed.” But is it? Our policy report delves deeper.
Two of the most debated elements are the European Competitiveness Fund and the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
Alberto Mingardi of the Istituto Bruno Leoni think tank argues that the centralized structure of the ECF could weaken its ability to close the innovation gap with the U.S. Meanwhile, MEP Siegfried Mureșan outlines the European Parliament’s counterproposals, including the request for more detailed budget lines to strengthen accountability.
Despite disagreements, the Commission and the Parliament appear aligned on the need for new funding streams. MEP Rasmus Andresen suggests expanding European resources beyond those proposed by the Commission.
Pina Picierno, a vice president in the Parliament, welcomes the planned 100 billion-euro allocation for Ukraine but warns it will not be sufficient.
Elsewhere, MEP Fabio De Masi examines the risks tied to financial instruments, while The Parliament’s Paula Soler and Federica Di Sario respectively assess the budget’s impact on gender equality outcomes and how NextGenerationEU repayments and rising interest rates could erode its real value.
— Francesco Puggioni, Opinion & Policy Report Editor