Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR), has called for a more ambitious EU budget backed by new own resources, stronger guarantees for the participation of cities and regions, and the protection of Cohesion Policy as a key investment in Europe's competitiveness and democracy. Speaking at a press conference on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), held at the European Parliament as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities, she stressed that Europe must invest in all its territories, ensure that no community is left behind and reach an agreement on the next EU budget by the end of 2026. The press conference brought together representatives of the European Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament, including CoR President Kata Tutto, Vice-President Juanma Moreno and European Parliament rapporteur Carla Tavares, to discuss the future EU budget and the implications of the ongoing negotiations for Europe's cities and regions.
“A strong MFF is vital to fight populism and defend democracy,” Rautio stressed. She warned that when Europe stops investing in its regions and distances itself from its cities, citizens' frustrations can fuel populism. A strong European budget must therefore ensure that people have opportunities to build their lives in their own communities, with the right to stay or the freedom to move elsewhere.
Rautio also insisted that new own resources are essential to finance Europe's growing ambitions. With Member States facing financial constraints, the EU cannot strengthen its competitiveness, security and resilience without additional resources. “When we talk about MFF, we are not only talking about money. We are talking about the future of Europe, the future of European people,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of multilevel governance, Rautio argued that cities and regions must be fully involved in shaping and implementing European investment. “Europe's strength comes from its multilevel governance. And why? Not because of power, but because of democracy,” she stated. She also underlined that Cohesion Policy is an investment rather than charity, supporting the functioning of the Single Market and creating opportunities for businesses and citizens across Europe.
Juanma Moreno, Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and President of Andalusia, reinforced the need to preserve a strong Cohesion Policy, protect the Common Agricultural Policy and prevent the recentralisation of EU funding. “There can be no competitiveness without cohesion, because when one region moves forward, Europe moves forward,” he stressed, calling for an ambitious budget that recognises the essential contribution of cities and regions to Europe's future.
The EPP-CoR reiterated its call for a timely agreement on the next MFF, ensuring that new European priorities are adequately financed without weakening cohesion, agriculture or rural development. As Rautio concluded, Europe must be ready to act, because the world will not wait.