Description:  

In the summer of 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the next long-term EU budget, the so-called Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034. This proposal marks the starting point of complex negotiations between EU institutions that will determine the EU’s spending priorities for the next decade.  

The Commission wants to reshape how EU funds work, merging the ESF+ and other funds into broader national envelopes called “NRPPs”, putting support for employment, skills, social inclusion and poverty reduction at risk.  

This briefing aims to help understand the European Commission’s proposal by looking at the most relevant aspects for EASPD in the respective regulations. This includes: 

• The new performance and tracking system  

• The National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) 

• The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and Horizon Europe  

• Erasmus+  

• AgoraEU 

It also provides a general explanation of the negotiation timeline, as well as information about EASPD's alliances and key advocacy work. Finally, gives guidance on how EASPD members can be involved at national level.  

Read the full paper

Citation: 

EASPD (2026). Understanding the next long-term EU Budget: Briefing paper on the Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union (MFF) 2028-2034.  

Author:

Estelle Houtart, Junior Policy Officer.  

Editor: 

Irene Bertana, EASPD Interim Head of Knowledge and Innovation

Date: 

Brussels, July 2026.