Following the European Commission’s proposal for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) has expressed deep concern.
To date, regions have played an important role in implementing EU policy through regional programmes, which ensure that EU funds are spent where they are most needed, based on specific local realities. The Commission’s new proposal would shift away from an EU budget model that places people, cities, and regions at its core. Instead, it would establish a system involving only national governments and the European Commission—effectively removing the direct link between regions and the Commission.
This direct link has been instrumental not only in ensuring that funding meets the real needs of cities and regions, but also in bringing Europe closer to its citizens. The proposed change would likely impact Member States with a high number of regional programmes, including Belgium, Italy, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Romania.
Additional concerns have been raised over proposed cuts to cohesion and agricultural funding. While the EPP-CoR recognizes that new priorities such as boosting competitiveness are important, they firmly believe that successful existing funding programmes should not be jeopardized. Cuts to cohesion policy risk widening inequality gaps across Europe, while reductions to the Common Agricultural Policy would undermine food security and the economic resilience of rural communities.
Below are some of the reactions from EPP-CoR members:
The EPP-CoR Group sees the Commission’s proposal as a shift from the Europe we believe in - one which puts people, cities and regions at the centre. Sari Rautio, EPP-CoR President said "I understand the anger of Presidents of Regions and Mayors. Without their active involvement, EU investment fails to deliver on the ground. As CoR rapporteur on the MFF I will work with our institutional partners to improve the proposal. The EU deserves a budget based on shared goals and values." Read more here.
The EPP-CoR Group believes that cohesion is the glue that holds Europe together by reducing disparities between regions. We reject the Commission’s attempt to substantially reduce funding for priorities such as cohesion. Ivan Žagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica said "We are against the approach of robbing Peter (cohesion) to pay Paul (new EU priorities). Cohesion policy must be integrated with new goals and not experience funding cuts."
The EPP-CoR Group is seriously concerned about the significant reduction in funding foreseen for farmers. Such a direction puts at risk not only the development of rural areas but also food security. Juanma Moreno, President of Andalusia and 1st Vice President of the CoR said "We firmly oppose any cuts to our farmers, our livestock breeders and our fishermen. I will work at EU level to defend the interests of the agricultural sector in Andalusia."
The EPP-CoR Group opposes side-lining of regional programmes in favour of national plans. We cannot build a resilient and competitive Union by turning our back on local needs. Sven Schulze, Saxony-Anhalt's Minister of Economic Affairs, said " The proposal strikes at the very heart of regions like Saxony-Anhalt. EU funding should pursue specific goals so that jobs are created. Centralisation endangers trust and progress. Regional differences need regional answers, not national one-size-fits-all plans." Read more here.
The EPP-CoR Group believes that for citizens to trust Europe, they must have a voice beyond elections. The Commission's budget which places Brussels and national governments in the driving seat, side-lines cities. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz Mayor of Gdańsk said "The proposal undermines Europe's main tool for territorial and social cohesion and it risks widening inequalities. By weakening that direct connection between investment and citizens everyday lives, the Commission is in danger of undermining the only link showing that the EU is more than distant bureaucrats." Read more here.
The EPP-CoR Group believes that the Multiannual Financial Framework must be a clear instrument to address current and future challenges faced across the EU by cities and regions. Kostas Bakoyannis Member of the Municipal Council of Athens and CoR ENVE Commission Chair said "I regret the absence of a strong and meaningful role for local and regional authorities. A clean and just transition is essential to accelerate Europe's progress and to transform our economy into a competitive, sustainable one. We cities and regions will contribute to the negotiations to ensure sufficient and targeted EU funding empowering local and regional actors to make environment, climate and energy goals a reality on the ground."
Thomas Schmidt, Member of the Saxon State Parliament and Head of the CoR German delegation said "The surprising proposals by the European Commission to centralise cohesion policy are, in my view, a major setback. After months of assurances that this would not happen, this step represents a lack of trust towards the European Committee of the Regions, and especially the cities and regions that have benefited from targeted EU funding. As the Chair of the German Delegation in the European Committee of the Regions, I have long warned of this scenario. We all know that funds are becoming scarcer. But instead of abandoning functioning structures, we should simplify and make them more flexible. This way, we can save costs and continue to make the EU tangible on the ground."