In a resolution adopted unanimously at the Plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 15 May 2025, local and regional leaders outlined their vision for an ambitious EU long-term budget post-2027. The goal is to empower the Union to address emerging priorities—such as security and climate resilience—while continuing to support structural needs, including the reinforcement of social, economic, and territorial cohesion. CoR members also called for a more agile EU budget, including the creation of a larger emergency fund to respond effectively to unforeseen crises.
Cohesion as a Driver of a Competitive Europe
In a second resolution—also adopted on 15 May in response to the Mid-term Review of Cohesion Policy—local and regional leaders opposed any direct or indirect centralisation of Cohesion Policy in both the current 2021–2027 programming period and the future post-2027 one. They stressed that changes to operational programmes must remain voluntary and reiterated that Cohesion Policy should remain a core pillar of the EU’s growth model, continuing as the main long-term, decentralised investment policy for all regions, with at least the same financial allocation in real terms as under the current MFF.
Siegfried Mureşan, Member of the European Parliament, Committee on Budgets; Co-Rapporteur on the post-2027 long-term EU budget said “New priorities such as security and defence must not come at the expense of our traditional ones—namely Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). All programmes must contribute to improving the competitiveness of our economy. Simplification must be a guiding principle. The local and regional level must be involved more directly in the design and implementation of the next budget. We oppose any merging of the CAP and Cohesion Policy into single national plans and call on the European Commission to reject such proposals.”
JuanMa Moreno, President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain; Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions said “The next MFF must be co-designed with local and regional authorities. Representatives of regions, cities, and towns must not be treated merely as beneficiaries of EU funds—we are key architects of reforms and investments. We know the strengths and vulnerabilities of Europe’s regions in detail, and we are responsible for 56% of total public investment."
He added "Our diversity is a strength that can help build a stronger, more resilient Europe. In this regard, we welcome European Commissioner Serafin's public commitment during the Strasbourg plenary debate on 7 May, in which he referred to “national and regional partnership agreements.” Moreno also stressed "To achieve cohesion, we need adequate resources—and these must be distributed according to the diverse realities of European territories. Four key principles must guide the next MFF: multilevel governance, partnership, territorial approach and shared management”
Thomas Schmidt, Member of the Saxon State Parliament said “Public acceptance is essential. If we lose that, we lose public support. Control systems and checks must be carried out at all levels—without overlaps.”
Ivan Žagar, Mayor of Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia; Coordinator for the EPP Group in the CoR Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) said “We need a budget that is more focused, flexible, simpler, and impactful. A key component of this vision is the role of local and regional authorities. Our on-the-ground knowledge and deep understanding of community needs make us indispensable in shaping investment decisions and ensuring that EU funds are used effectively. Therefore, Cohesion Policy must remain a cornerstone of the EU. It must be properly funded and continue to support the regions by promoting innovation, sustainable development, and economic resilience.”
Pablo Gustavo Broseta Dupre, Vice-Minister for Representation to the European Union and the Spanish Autonomous Regions, Government of the Region of Valencia said "Six months ago, the Valencian Community suffered a major environmental disaster. Given the limitations and underfunding of the EU Solidarity Fund, what happened in my region should serve as a warning—it could happen elsewhere. We propose the creation of a specific contingency fund. This could be made possible through the voluntary contributions of the different Member States, without implying a further increase in their public debt."