Financing Development Cooperation: the Role of the Next EU Budget

In July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), amounting to almost €2 trillion. The proposed MFF reflects the EU’s main political and strategic priorities, determining where resources will be invested. In particular, it outlines the main EU financial instruments for development cooperation, which are central to the Union’s ability to address global challenges such as poverty reduction, climate change, and geopolitical instability, and to maintain its role as a key global partner.

Against this background, the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) organized a closed-door roundtable to identify the main challenges facing development cooperation, with particular attention to its financial dimensions in light of the Commission’s proposal for the next EU budget. The discussion brought together academics, civil society representatives, and members of European and national institutions.