The European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) held a high-level debate on the future of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027, emphasizing the need for a robust and flexible EU budget that strengthens regional development and territorial cohesion.
The debate brought together local and regional leaders to discuss the long-term priorities of the EU budget, particularly in the context of growing geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformation, and demographic challenges. The discussion underscored the fundamental role of Cohesion Policy as a key pillar of the European project and the necessity of ensuring sufficient funding for regions to tackle disparities, foster innovation, and support sustainable development.
María Guardiola, President of the Regional Government of Extremadura, stressed the importance of maintaining Cohesion Policy at the heart of the EU’s financial planning: “The Multiannual Financial Framework will be a fundamental tool in this process of transformation. The EU budget is the expression of our collective political ambition, a reflection of our values and priorities, and an investment in the future we want to leave for the next generations. The proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework must ultimately reaffirm that Cohesion Policy remains an essential pillar of a renewed European project—a project that inspires confidence in citizens and consolidates itself as a global benchmark.”
During the meeting, members of the COTER Commission highlighted key areas for future investment, including strengthening regional resilience, advancing green and digital transitions, addressing demographic shifts, and ensuring strategic autonomy in critical sectors such as energy, food security, and defence. They also called for a more agile and simplified EU budgetary framework that allows for rapid response to emerging crises and fosters regional development.
The conclusions of the debate will contribute to the European Committee of the Regions' position on the post-2027 MFF and will be taken forward in discussions with EU institutions and Member States.