EU budget policy brief : lessons for a future-proof EU budget; #5, April 2024

This policy brief discusses how the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and NextGenerationEU contribute to the EU's priorities, including the green transition, digitalisation, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its substantial impact on the ground, the MFF has encountered some implementation challenges, and has been put under strain by being adapted to respond to several crises. This brief draws lessons from these experiences and underlines the importance of flexibility and strategic foresight in financial planning. The mid-term revision of the MFF was a crucial step towards reallocating and boosting resources for the most urgent new priorities. A more streamlined, policydriven approach that increases the EU's ability to respond to emerging challenges should guide the upcoming MFF proposal.