The new proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–203
On July 16, 2025, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, outlining a streamlined approach to EU funding that holds significant implications for the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR).
The proposal introduces key elements that align with EUSAIR’s mission to foster sustainable development and regional cooperation, even though macroregional strategies are not specifically mentioned.
Key Highlights for EUSAIR
- Integrated Funding through Partnership Plans: The MFF consolidates €865 billion for cohesion policy, agriculture, and internal security into National and Regional Partnership Plans. MRSs could strive for these plans to integrate EUSAIR’s priorities, such as sustainable blue economy, environmental protection, and connectivity, ensuring that cross-border initiatives are embedded in regional development strategies.
- Focus on Regional Convergence: The proposal emphasizes reducing disparities across regions, which supports EUSAIR’s goals of economic and social cohesion in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
- Support for EU Enlargement: The €200 billion Global Europe Instrument will enhance cooperation with candidate countries, many of which are EUSAIR members, fostering stronger regional ties and preparing for future EU integration.
- Simplified Funding Access: A streamlined funding model could facilitate access to resources for EUSAIR projects, aligning investments with EU priorities like competitiveness, digitalization, and climate resilience.
Considerations
The MFF 2028–2034 proposal does not directly reference macroregional strategies in its public documentation. Instead, their objectives are integrated into the National and Regional Partnership Plans, which emphasize regional collaboration, convergence, and stakeholder engagement—key principles of macroregional strategies. EUSAIR remains committed to leveraging these opportunities to advance sustainable and inclusive growth in the Adriatic-Ionian region, while advocating for clarity and prioritization of macroregional cooperation in the final MFF framework. In these efforts stakeholders and policymakers might find useful the Final Report “EUSAIR Perspective on the Role of Macro-regional Cooperation in the Future Cohesion Policy” , summarising consultations with EUSAIR stakeholders including recommendations for the post 2027 Cohesion Policy.
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