The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) is a new proposal within the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), aiming to consolidate 14 existing EU funding instruments into a single framework to support strategic technologies, innovation, industrial deployment, and scaling. It will channel funds to SMEs, start-ups, research institutions and manufacturing projects, and seeks to leverage private investment alongside EU budget support.
In his first reaction the rapporteur said: “This opinion offers a unique opportunity for regional governments across the EU to shape how critical strategic investments will reach our territories, and, as we all agree, this is one of the key issues of this mandate and will shape the future of our companies and of our people. Consolidating 14 funding instruments into a single framework and targeting high-priority windows such as digital leadership, decarbonization, health & biotech, and security — makes it essential that regions are heard in its governance and implementation. I will ensure that the principles of subsidiarity, territorial cohesion, and place-based development are safeguarded, preventing a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach that might favor already advanced regions.”