The debate “Voices of the Next EU Budget”, chaired by Thomas Wobben, Director for Legislative Works at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), discussed the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027 live on LinkedIn.
Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions and CoR Rapporteur on the next MFF, welcomed the position of the European Parliament as a strong signal of alignment between the EU’s democratic institutions.
“We welcome the position of the European Parliament, which reflects the positions of the European Committee of the Regions. We share the same goals as the European Commission — to make Europe more competitive, secure, and resilient. But none of these objectives can be achieved unless cities and regions are on board,” Rautio said.
Next EU budget is vital for democracy
Rautio warned that the debate on the next EU budget is not only about money but also about democracy and trust in Europe. “This is also about democracy — about keeping EU support alive on the ground. When all regions and cities are involved, we get the most out of the EU. Engaged local and regional authorities help leverage additional private investment and ensure that European priorities are effectively implemented,” she underlined.
Drawing on her experience as a member of the European Commission’s Group of Experts on Cohesion Policy, Rautio emphasised that engaging regions and cities is a democratic obligation, not an administrative burden: “Yes to simplification, yes to flexibility — but regions must be part of the process. They are not an extra layer of bureaucracy. Regions are flexible, they understand local economies, and they are key to making EU policies deliver results.”
Flexibility and Long-Term Vision
Rautio called for an MFF that combines long-term investment with flexibility, allowing Europe to respond to crises while staying focused on its strategic goals: “If we are only reacting, we are not leading. We need long-term investment, but also flexibility. There are good elements in the Commission proposal, but we must ensure that regions are fully involved. They are resilient, they know their ecosystems, and they can react faster and more effectively.”
Speaking about net contributor countries like Finland, Rautio highlighted the need for new own resources to strengthen Europe’s autonomy and ability to invest in defence and strategic sectors: “If we want Europe to be independent, we need new funding sources to invest in defence, competitiveness, and innovation.”
Rautio welcomed the growing alignment between the CoR, the European Parliament, and other EU institutions on the principles guiding the next MFF: “When we talk about a common Europe, we must recognise our different realities but focus on our shared objectives. We need more dialogue between institutions — and also back home in our regions. This is how we will achieve a stronger, more competitive, and more secure Europe able to tackle climate change and future challenges.”
She recalled that the CoR’s resolution on the next MFF, adopted unanimously, demonstrates a strong sense of unity among Europe’s regions and cities. “Our message is clear: Europe works best when all levels of government work together.”
Watch the debate here.