July 17, 2025

The following is a press release:

Commenting on the proposal for the long-term budget of the European Union 2028-2034, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), unveiled by the European Commission on 16 July, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, said: “After months of unjustified secrecy, the European Commission has delivered a complicated and divisive proposal that puts at risk the role of regions and cities in the European project. There are no guarantees that all regions will benefit of cohesion investments, there is no legal provision to define the involvement of regions in funds management, there is no willingness by the Commission to assess and monitor investments’ impact at regional and local level. The Commission priority seems to be increasing the share of the EU budget under its direct control while leaving Member States total flexibility on the other funds. In this way it interrupts its direct relation with regions, giving up on a precious cooperation that until now helped deliver EU long-term objectives on the ground. If the goal was simplification, the creation of 'Monster National Plans' integrating cohesion, agriculture and migration funds – disconnecting their respective objectives from allocation criteria and governance arrangements - does not simplify in any way their management nor the access for beneficiaries. It only simplifies the Commission’s work that would turn a blind eye on regions’ and cities’ needs and challenges. It is now crucial that the European Parliament and the Member States intervene to change in depth the proposal, allowing for a reform of Cohesion Policy conceived to empower regions and cities and not sideline them.”

Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), Member of the City Council of the Finnish city of Hämeenlinna and CoR rapporteur on the MFF post-2027, said: "The Commission’s proposal marks a fundamental shift away from the Europe we believe in - one which puts people, cities and regions at the centre. By centralising the management of funds through Single National Plans and side-lining 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 on the ground. While acknowledging that the Commission addresses new key priorities, as CoR rapporteur I call on the co-legislators to restore a genuine partnership principle, uphold subsidiarity, and ensure that no EU region is left behind in the post-2027 EU budget. Cohesion and competitiveness must go hand in hand - and not played against each other under the mantra of simplification. Hence, we also reject the Commission's attempt to substantially reduce the funding dedicated to cohesion and agriculture and rural development, which would have a major negative impact on our regions, cities and villages. It is not possible to rob Peter (cohesion and agriculture) to pay Paul (the new priorities at EU level). We are committed to improve the European Commission's proposal by working together with our institutional partners. The EU deserves a long-term budget based on common clear goals and values."

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.

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.

Contact:

Matteo Miglietta

Tel. +32 470895382

Matteo.Miglietta@cor.europa.eu