Have your say on the next EU long-term budget

The European Commission has published the Communication on ‘The road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework’, outlining the key policy and budgetary challenges that will shape the design of the next long-term EU budget. It builds on the commitments set out in the Political Guidelines and the mission letters of President von der Leyen to the new Commissioners.

The Communication notes the challenges associated with food security and nature protection in sustaining Europe’s quality of life. It points out that EUR 62 billion would be required to close the investment gap in the agricultural sector and deliver on its digital, green and energy transitions. It also highlights the need to provide targeted support to those farmers who need it most, promote positive environmental and social outcomes through rewards and incentives for ecosystem services and support the right enabling conditions for thriving rural areas.

Alongside this, the Commission has launched a Europe-wide outreach campaign aimed at all stakeholders, institutions and citizens to encourage people to have their say on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, ahead of its official proposal in July 2025.

The campaign includes seven public consultations which cover various policy areas, including agriculture, with the goal of creating a more effective and efficient budget that delivers on key objectives. We encourage you to contribute by filling in the online questionnaires.

The consultations were published in February and will remain open for 12 weeks. Contact details are provided for technical support, should you face any difficulties.

In addition, around 150 people will be selected to take part in the Citizens' Panel (there is also an online forum, so everyone can have their say).

It is important that farmers and rural communities have a strong voice, so please also share this information with other stakeholders who may wish to contribute.

The European long-term budget requires the unanimous approval of all its Member States, and the majority of Members of the European Parliament.  More information on the EU budget can be accessed on the Commission's website.