On May 7, the European Parliament adopted its own-initiative (INI) report on the renewal of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget. This marks a key milestone in the negotiations for the next MFF, which will begin in 2028 and run until 2035. Below is an overview of why this report matters and what its main outcomes are.
What is the INI Report and Why Is It Important for the MFF and the European Parliament?
The MFF INI Report is a key document through which the European Parliament (EP) sets out its views on the next MFF. Since the EP does not have the power to propose legislation, the INI Report becomes a crucial tool for influencing the European Commission’s (EC) upcoming MFF proposal.
What Has Been CONCORD’s Role?
CONCORD contributed to shaping the EP’s position by sharing its key messages in a dedicated MFF position paper. Our members actively engaged with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), especially by reaching out to national representatives across various committees. We consistently advocated for a people- and planet-centered EU budget and strongly opposed far-right attacks on civil society organisations (CSOs).
Key Highlights from the INI Report:
⬇️ Click on the boxes to read more about each highlight! ⬇️
Positive Aspects
Support for Development Cooperation
In the light of global aid cuts, such as those by USAID, the EP calls on the EU to fill the funding gap. The report reaffirms the EU and its Member States’ commitment to allocate 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) to Official Development Assistance (ODA), with poverty reduction as the central goal. This aligns with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
CONCORD welcomes this and urges the EU Institutions and EU Member States to protect ODA from being used for non-developmental purposes.
Promotion of Civil Society Engagement
The report calls for active engagement with civil society, as outlined in Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union. This is vital for fostering an active civic space and can inform policymakers about best practices from the ground.
CONCORD fully supports this, as CSOs contribute to empowering communities and addressing sensitive issues like governance, gender equality, and social inclusion. Civil society understands the context, needs and priorities of local communities. That’s why including it in the planning and definition of programmes and initiatives must be strengthened even further in the next MFF.
Dedicated Humanitarian Aid Budget
The European Parliament supports the maintaining of a stand-alone humanitarian aid programme, separate from other external action instruments.
CONCORD agrees and opposes merging humanitarian aid (HUMA), development cooperation (NDICI-GE), and pre-accession support (IPA), as it would weaken the strategic focus. While coordination across aid types is essential, separate financing instruments are needed to ensure targeted, impartial, and effective support.
Alignment with EU Values
The report highlights that EU external actions must promote human rights, democracy, equality, social justice, and sustainable development — values enshrined in the EU’s treaties and international commitments.
Areas of Concern
Use of Conditionalities
The report suggests attaching conditions to access EU funds.
CONCORD strongly opposes this approach, especially when linked to migration control. Conditional aid undermines trust, is often legally questionable, and could damage vital partnerships that support the EU’s broader goals.
Lack of Focus on Vulnerable Countries
The report does not explicitly call for prioritising the most vulnerable countries — particularly Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCAS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
CONCORD stresses that the EU must uphold its commitments to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and poverty eradication, ensuring that its geostrategic interests do not overshadow these core principles.
Gender Equality Commitments Overlooked
The report fails to highlight the EU’s external action commitments to gender equality.
CONCORD calls for a strong focus on addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting the participation of women, girls, and marginalised communities in social and economic lives. These goals are central to the EU’s Gender Action Plan III and must be reflected in the future MFF.
What’s Next? The MFF Proposal from the European Commission.
The INI Report serves as the European Parliament’s formal input into the European Commission’s post-2027 MFF proposal, which is expected in July 2025. Although the report is not legally binding, it carries significant political weight and will likely influence the EC’s direction.