As EU leaders prepare to meet on 26–27 June for the European Council, CONCORD calls on them to ensure a strong, principled and effective EU external action in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) after 2027.
The MFF defines the EU’s financial priorities and capacities. At a time of escalating global challenges, deepening inequalities and increasing humanitarian needs, the EU must reaffirm its role as a credible and values-based global actor. This means committing the necessary resources and political will to uphold human rights, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development worldwide.
In view of the upcoming Council discussion on “EU in the World,” we urge EU leaders to prioritise the following:
1. Preserve the integrity of EU external action instruments – No to a one-size-fits-all merger
The EU’s external action funding tools—humanitarian aid (HUMA), international cooperation (NDICI-Global Europe), and pre-accession assistance (IPA)—each serve distinct purposes. Proposals to merge these instruments risk undermining their effectiveness, transparency and legal clarity. A unified instrument could dilute focus, reduce accountability, and ultimately weaken the EU’s ability to deliver meaningful, strategic results on the ground.
2. Reaffirm the 0.7% GNI ODA target and focus on poverty reduction
The EU must honour its longstanding commitment to allocate 0.7% of GNI to Official Development Assistance (ODA), with a core focus on poverty reduction and supporting the world’s most vulnerable communities. The next MFF should:
- Prioritise thematic programmes that tackle transnational challenges such as human development, climate justice, gender equality and human rights.
- Increase the share of ODA allocated to Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS) to 50%.
- Fulfil the target of 0.2% of GNI to Least Developed Countries (LDCs)—ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
3. Balance flexibility with predictability
The next MFF must be able to respond to emergencies, but not at the cost of long-term development goals. EU external action must strike the right balance between flexibility and predictability. Strategic programming, strong country ownership, and clear financial targets are vital to sustaining progress in partner countries and advancing EU priorities such as gender equality, climate action and inclusive development.