EU Multiannual Financial Framework post-2020: ensure unity and swift agreement

Ahead of today’s conference of the European Commission on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2020, followed by an important debate at the college of Commissioners, BusinessEurope published its initial views.

BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: “European leaders should explain why in several policy areas spending taxpayers’ money at EU level can bring savings and a more efficient spending. In areas like research and innovation it’s essential to coordinate spending at EU level rather than countries doing it isolated at national level only. An optimised EU budget and a doubling of funding for research, development and innovation is essential.
Of course, the logic of common benefits of EU spending must be duly explained at national level. Comments on how much money an EU Member State can bring back home are not constructive. The paramount discussions ahead must not become a divisive force, but rather strengthen the EU’s unity that we have been witnessing over the past months.”

Timing will be crucial. Failing to agree on the proposal by the time of the European elections (mid-2019) will be of serious consequences.

The next MFF must reflect the EU’s future priorities and concentrate efforts on improving the EU’s competitiveness. It must focus on the areas with clear EU added value where it can deliver concrete benefits, address key concerns of citizens and businesses and prepare the EU for the megatrends ahead, like digitalisation, industrial policy and energy transition.