The Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034: Priorities for the European Union and Italy
IAI has undertaken a reflection on the negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 and their implications for the European political landscape, with particular attention to the role of national promotional institutions and development finance institutions, as well as to Italy’s priorities. Following the publication of an initial discussion paper by Luca Barana, Luca Cinciripini and Matteo Bursi, which set out the policy principles underpinning the European Commission’s initial proposal – flexibility, simplification and conditionality – the research project developed along two strands: one focusing on the intra-EU dimension and the other on external action. Two IAI Briefs were published for each strand.
The first strand – focusing on cohesion and competitiveness – centres on strengthening the EU’s internal capacities to respond effectively to global challenges, while maintaining a balance between social cohesion, economic growth and sustainability. The two briefs addressing this dimension were written by Cinzia Alcidi and Eulalia Rubio and examined two innovative instruments envisaged by the Commission: respectively, the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).
The second strand, concerning external action, focuses on the EU’s global role and its capacity to promote stability and sustainable development beyond Europe’s borders. In the briefs devoted to the external dimension, Matteo Bursi analysed the new funding instruments for the EU’s international action, particularly the Global Europe Instrument, while Luca Barana and Luca Cinciripini focused on the new forms of support for Ukraine. In both cases, the importance of combining the flexibility needed to respond to emerging challenges with a degree of predictability to facilitate investment was emphasised.
IAI will present the findings of the research at a concluding public conference in the second half of 2026.
Funding: Cassa Depositi e Prestiti