In July 2025, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for the next long-term EU budget (2028–2034): a €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The MFF stirs the direction of EU action for the next 7 years, and amongst its multiple objectives it sets the rules for the EU programmes local and regional governments rely on every day: Cohesion Policy (ERDF), the Just Transition Fund, ESF+, Erasmus+, LIFE, Horizon Europe, INTERREG and more.

With the Commission’s proposal now out for some time and negotiations well underway, both the European Parliament and the Council have had the opportunity to fully analyze the text and formulate their positions. The outcome of these negotiations will ultimately determine which programmes, funds, and financing tools remain available, crucially shaping how local authorities can implement their climate and energy transformation plans.

However, the proposal has disrupted the usual institutional equilibrium. The profound revision of longstanding EU policies—namely the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy—has created new divides between and within the Parliament and the Council, while traditional fault lines have also resurfaced.

In this MFF & You webinar, we will focus on what is the current state of the negotiations, the Parliament’s position in the negotiations, and the political cleavages between and with Council and Parliament. Join us to hear testimonials from six cities networks across Europe on the current negotiations at EU level, share your ideas and gain inspiration to define your demands in your country for European funds to be channelled as effectively as possible to the local level.

The webinar will be in English, and French interpretation will be available. The event will be recorded.

Please that the participation is open only to municipalities, regions, regional agencies and other sub-national organisations. Requests from SMEs or consultancies will not be accepted. Thanks for your understanding.