The European Union has recently reached an agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years 2021-2027. This agreement will greatly impact the EU`s spending priorities and shape its policies for the next seven years.
The MFF is the EU`s long-term budget, which sets out the expenditure limits for various areas of EU spending such as research and innovation, social cohesion, and the common agricultural policy. It is an essential tool for ensuring that the EU`s financial resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to support its objectives.
The agreement on the MFF was reached after months of negotiations between the EU member states. It sets the budget for the next seven years at €1.074 trillion, which is a decrease from the previous MFF. However, this amount may increase as the EU has also agreed to a €750 billion recovery fund to help member states recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most significant changes in the MFF is the allocation of funds for climate action. The EU has committed to spending 30% of its budget on climate initiatives, which is a significant increase from the previous MFF. The EU has also set out a goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050, and this commitment to funding climate initiatives is a step towards achieving that goal.
Another notable change in the MFF is the increase in funding for research and innovation. The EU has committed to spending €13.5 billion on the Horizon Europe research program, which is an increase from the previous MFF. This investment in research and innovation is crucial for the EU`s competitiveness and its ability to address global challenges such as climate change and public health crises.
The MFF also sets out funding for social cohesion programs, which aim to reduce disparities between EU member states and promote economic and social convergence. The agreement includes funding for programs such as the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund, which provide support for education, training, and employment initiatives.
In conclusion, the agreement on the MFF is a significant milestone for the EU and its member states. It sets out the EU`s spending priorities for the next seven years and provides funding for areas such as climate action, research and innovation, and social cohesion. The EU`s commitment to these areas is crucial for achieving its objectives and addressing global challenges in a coordinated and effective manner.