EPP-CoR Reaction to the Commission Proposal on the Post-2027 MFF
The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) expresses deep concern over the European Commission’s proposal for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which represents a fundamental shift away from existing regional programmes shaped by local actors that take into account specific needs on the ground, towards centrally managed national plans. The proposed move from regional programmes to national plans marks a dramatic departure from the current governance model. By doing so, the Commission is eliminating bottom-up decision-making, limiting the voice and participation of Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs).
Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group and CoR Rapporteur on the next MFF, said: "The MFF is above all an ultimate expression of what the EU thinks should do for its citizens. Hence, we cannot overlook the fact that the Commission’s proposal marks a fundamental shift away from the Europe we believe in—one that puts people, cities, and regions at the centre. By centralising the management of funds through Single National Plans and sidelining regional programmes, this proposal risks silencing the voices of those closest to our citizens. We cannot build a resilient, competitive, and cohesive Union by turning our back on multilevel governance and local knowledge. The lessons of the Recovery and Resilience Facility were clear: without the active involvement of local and regional authorities, EU investment fails to deliver where it is most needed on the ground. While acknowledging that the Commission addresses new key priorities, the EPP-CoR Group stresses that cohesion and competitiveness must go hand in hand—not be sacrificed with the excuse of simplification and compliance with national priorities."
She added that the bottom up principle is also crucial when we think about democracy. If we want citizens to work and trust for our common competitive and sustainable Europe, the citizens in all corners of EU have to have a say - and not only in elections.
Ivan Žagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica and EPP-CoR Coordinator of the CoR COTER Commission, said: "Cohesion is the glue that holds Europe together and which helps to reduce disparities between regions. While we understand the new priorities of the EU, including security, we reject the Commission’s attempt to substantially reduce funding for traditional priorities such as cohesion and agriculture, which would have a major negative impact on our regions, cities, villages and rural areas. Earmarking funds for least developed regions is a step in the right direction, but genuine economic, territorial and social cohesion takes all European regions on board. We are against the approach of robbing Peter (cohesion and agriculture) to pay Paul (the new priorities at EU level). These traditional policies must evolve by integrating them with new goals while maintaining their strategic value and funding. Creating one single fund covering all existing 2021-27 funds with national envelopes will be a big mistake."
Regions across the EU will be impacted, but those in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Finland, Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the Netherlands are particularly at risk. These Member States had regional programmes to date. Without regional operational programmes, they face the risk of losing tailored responses to local challenges. National-level plans risk overlooking the rich diversity within Member States and are likely to lead to one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to deliver on the ground.
Earlier this year, the EPP-CoR clearly outlined its position, calling for a truly place-based MFF, strong regional programmes and flexibility, a reinforced partnership principle, smart flexibility without sacrificing strategic objectives, and an unwavering link between cohesion and competitiveness. The current proposal runs counter to these principles. It disregards the Treaty-based obligation to involve LRAs in the design and implementation of cohesion policy and EU funds. It shifts accountability from democratic regional structures to centrally managed mechanisms, risking loss of trust and reduced effectiveness.
The EPP-CoR will voice its concerns and provide a further detailed evaluation of the communication in an opinion which EPP-CoR President Sari Rautio will prepare on behalf of the European Committee of the Regions. We urge the co-legislators in the Council and European Parliament to:
• Reinstate regional operational programmes in the MFF architecture,
• Guarantee LRA participation in the design, management, implementation and evaluation of EU funds,
• Embed partnership and subsidiarity as non-negotiable governance principles,
• Reverse the trend toward centralisation, learning from the implementation deficits of the RRF.
This MFF must not be a step back in time. It must be a step forward toward a resilient, inclusive, and competitive Europe—driven by its villages, cities, and regions.
Background
• Together with the leading European associations of cities and regions, the CoR is a founding partner of the #CohesionAlliance, the EU-widest coalition of representatives of cities and regions, social partners and civic society associations advocating for cohesion as a key objective for all EU policies and investments, and for a strengthened Cohesion Policy after 2027.
• In May, the CoR adopted by unanimity a resolution on the EU long-term budget post 2027. The text warned that only decentralised long-term investment can tackle present and future challenges in Europe.
• In June the EPP-CoR adopted its position paper on the EU long-term budget post 2027 and held a debate with MEPs from the EPP Group.
• Read the opinion of Sari Rautio 'Putting regions at the heart of Europe’s next budget' on EU Observer.
• Sari Rautio was also member of the group of high-level specialists on the future of Cohesion Policy established by the European Commission in 2023. The final report of the group was presented in February 2024.
• The opinion on the next MFF drafted by Ms Rautio is expected to be adopted at the first CoR plenary session in 2026.