"Our concerns on the next MFF and cohesion are not only about money—they are about democracy. They are about a simple idea: European unity." With these words, Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group, opened her intervention during an exchange of views on the proposal for the MFF 2028–2034 held by the CoR in Denmark. She underlined that the EPP-CoR Group will table a resolution sending a clear message against centralisation and cuts in cohesion funding.
As the CoR Rapporteur on the next MFF, Rautio stressed that she will work closely with local and regional leaders, as well as with other EU institutions, to safeguard cohesion.
JuanMa Moreno, President of Andalusia and 1st Vice-President of the CoR, echoed these concerns: "We are calling for action in view of the great concern over the future budget of the European Union for 2028–2034, given the setback it presents in terms of cohesion."
He warned that the proposed budget is based on the idea of a single plan per Member State: "In our view, this breaks the direct link between the European Union itself and the cities and regions, and their support in all corners of Europe."
Moreno also highlighted the risks many regions are facing, including Andalusia. He pointed to the danger for key funds such as the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), infrastructure, and resources for responding to natural disasters like droughts, floods, and fires that increasingly affect Europe, especially the Mediterranean. "We are particularly concerned about the significant reduction in the CAP. This has already provoked, not only in my country but across Europe, a strong reaction from farmers and livestock breeders. They are asking us—the regions—for a strong response. In my case, associations of farmers and livestock breeders have already met with me, calling on us to act against this initiative."