In July 2025, the European Commission published its first comprehensive proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), covering the 2028–2034 period. It outlines a strategic overhaul of how the EU plans to invest across its political priorities — with direct implications for companies, research institutions, public entities and other organisations that want to engage with EU direct funding.
At the heart of this shift is the proposed creation of the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which will merge over a dozen existing instruments into a more integrated and agile investment vehicle.
The ECF will focus on four strategic areas:
Meanwhile, flagship programmes like Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the newly proposed AgoraEU (focused on culture, media, and fundamental values) will continue to operate as separate but closely coordinated funds.
Although the final budget is unlikely to be adopted before 2027, the Commission’s proposal already signals where the EU will focus its investment priorities — and where funding will be concentrated.
This offers a valuable opportunity to start preparing now — not just by anticipating the future, but by actively building the profile, experience and partnerships that will matter when the first calls under the new MFF go live in 2028.
The next MFF will bring simplified, consolidated, but also highly competitive EU funding schemes. Organisations that wait until 2028 to “start thinking” about EU funding may find themselves unprepared — or uncompetitive.
Strategic preparation begins today — with the right awareness, the right network, and the right direction.
We’re here to help you get there.