On 2 May, the European Commission published its proposal for the 2020-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework with the aim of providing ‘A Modern Budget for a Union that Protects, Empowers and Defends’. The proposal provides the basis for negotiations between the member states, and the European Parliament, about the EU’s funding priorities. The context for the upcoming negotiations will be affected by a number of internal and external pressures. The UK’s decision to leave the EU creates a sizeable budget gap. At the time same time, Europe and its needs have changed over the years, calling for greater cooperation in addressing, for example, common challenges such as migration, security, climate, competitiveness and inequality. The global context has changed as well, with world leaders now committed to the sustainable development agenda for 2030 and to the Paris Climate Agreement. This EPC Policy Dialogue provided a platform for discussing and debating the European Commission’s budget proposal, including whether or not it is on the right track to address the internal and global pressures and how to ensure it can deliver concrete results in line with the EU’s objectives and principles.

Speakers included: Stefan Lehner, Director Revenue and Multiannual Financial Framework, DG Budget, European Commission, Jonathan Gaventa, Director, Third Generation Environmentalism, E3G, Claire Dhéret, Head of the Social Europe and Well-being programme at the European Policy Centre, Lucas Rasche, Research Fellow, Jacques Delors Institut – Berlin, Cornelius Raapke-Eckert, Financial Counsellor (budget), permanent representation of Sweden to the European Union.