Today, the European Commission published its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), covering the period from 2028 to 2034. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: “Europe is at a pivotal point. It is therefore crucial that the next EU budget boosts EU competitiveness and economic growth, and supports innovation. European business welcomes the proposed establishment of a European Competitiveness Fund worth 409 billion euros. We take note of the Commission’s efforts to achieve simplification by the consolidation of various programs into four strategic pillars, the emphasis on flexibility, and the inclusion of stakeholders in the Fund’s dedicated strategic board. Moreover, a proposed larger Connecting Europe Facility worth more than 80 billion euros appears to share European industry’s goals of enhancing multi-modal, cross-border transport and infrastructure connectivity. It also aims to facilitate further integration of the energy market and advance cross-border clean energy initiatives, supported by 5 times more resources. It is positive to see a shift towards a performance-based approach for cohesion policy that links reforms and investments, within the framework of the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans, with 1 trillion euros of the MFF. At the same time, we point out that it is important to keep … Continue reading MFF proposal: Focus on competitiveness is welcome, but proposed new business levies undermine the EU as an investment location and are counterproductive