The European Union's next long-term budget must provide the resources, governance and flexibility needed to strengthen Europe's security, competitiveness and resilience, while preserving cohesion policy as a strategic investment in every region. This was the key message from the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) during the address of the President of the German Bundesrat at the CoR plenary session
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Welcoming the President of the German Bundesrat on behalf of the EPP-CoR, Sari Rautio, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions, underlined that Europe must seize the negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to modernise its budget without weakening its territorial dimension. "Europe must seize this moment to modernise its budget so it can truly deliver on security and resilience, boost competitiveness, and drive innovation across our economies. But let us be clear: we cannot do more with less. A credible and ambitious MFF requires new, sustainable sources of funding and a strengthened system of own resources," said Sari Rautio.
Rautio also highlighted Germany's longstanding commitment to federalism and multi-level governance, calling for regional and local authorities to be fully involved in the preparation and implementation of the future National and Regional Partnership Plans. "An adequately funded EU budget is the foundation of a strong and future-proof cohesion policy. Cohesion is a driver of competitiveness. Europe's strength lies in its territorial diversity, and innovation so often emerges from the unique characteristics of its regions. If we are serious about Europe's future, we must invest in that diversity and ensure that every region has the means to contribute to our shared success," she added.
Thomas Schmidt, Head of the German National Delegation in the EPP-CoR, stressed that cohesion policy remains one of Europe's most effective instruments for delivering tangible benefits to citizens. "At a time of growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, investing in our regions means investing in Europe's future. Cohesion Policy is far more than a funding instrument—it is the most visible face of Europe in our communities, bringing European values and opportunities closer to citizens. Preserving and reinforcing this policy is essential to keeping our Union united, resilient and prepared for the challenges ahead," said Thomas Schmidt.
The EPP-CoR reiterated that the future MFF should combine stronger investment in Europe's strategic priorities with a reinforced cohesion policy, genuine multi-level governance and a simplified, performance-oriented implementation framework that enables regions and cities to deliver results for citizens.