If the European Union is to lead a new era of global prosperity, the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 must be simpler, more balanced and responsive. Over the next few years, reforms and investments in key policy areas will be needed to strengthen our single market and ensure the viability of European businesses. For the same reasons, our industrial base must be equipped with the necessary tools and financing opportunities. Eurochambres therefore believes that the support to European businesses should be at the core of the MFF 2028-2034.
The next five years will determine the global positioning of Europe for the next 50 years. The objective of a more competitive Europe risks being missed if the EU does not fully enable companies to operate and scale up.
In the last few years, member states faced economic and geopolitical distress. This has impacted their growth and underlying economic frameworks with resources allocated to mitigate crises, rather than invested in innovation and technological development for the economy at large. The chamber network believes that the next EU budget should be more responsive to external shocks.
EU funds should be tailored to improving economic and social and prosperity and boosting the Union's competitiveness by supporting structural reforms in member states.
The next MFF must prioritize the unique needs of SMEs, ensuring that funding instruments are accessible and geared towards fostering innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
Chambers believe that the EU budget structure can be improved and further resources should be allocated to SME-related policies, reflecting the Commission’s economic priorities for the years ahead. The EU funds should also encourage the deployment of private investments in key areas and bring positive spillovers for industries.
Eurochambres, therefore, calls for adequate funding for SMEs, education, research, and infrastructure.
To achieve such objectives, chambers advocate for a substantial simplification of rules and streamlining of procedures related to EU budget funds. Discussions concerning the creation of a European Competitiveness fund, inspired by the current work on STEP, must not overlook the need for a reduction in the complexity during the application phase, especially for SMEs as beneficiaries.