The European Commission recently published part of the legislative package underpinning its next multiannual financial framework (MFF). The financial plan for the period 2028-2034 sets out the details of the allocation of almost EUR 2 trillion along priorities such as competitiveness, defense and security, strengthening the single market, education and culture, crisis management and preparedness. The published package of regulations envisages fundamental changes in the planning and implementation of both programs under direct Brussels control (e.g., LIFE, Erasmus+, etc.) and territorial operational and INTERREG programs.

The proposal will now be discussed by the EU Council and the European Parliament, during which heated debates are expected, for example, on the consolidation of various EU funds (e.g., ERDF, ESF), the integration of operational programs into national and regional plans (NRPs) for each Member State and into an EU-level INTERREG plan, and the rules on commitments (reduction of the n+3 rule to n+1). On the other hand, welcome developments include the intention to significantly simplify the implementation of programs and projects (performance-based accounting), the creation of opportunities for territorial-based, integrated programming, and the theoretical possibility of financing cross-border cooperation outside of INTERREG programs. Another positive aspect is that the budget for INTERREG programs has not been reduced compared to the previous period, with the plan allocating a total of €10.264 billion at European level for cooperation between Member States.

Further information and the latest news can be found at the following link.