On July 16, 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) covering 2028–2034. This plan outlines a more streamlined approach to EU funding, which carries important consequences for the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR). While macroregional strategies are not explicitly mentioned, the proposal includes key aspects that support EUSAIR’s objectives to promote sustainable development and regional collaboration.
Main Points Relevant to EUSAIR
Integrated Funding via Partnership Plans: The MFF brings together €865 billion for cohesion policy, agriculture, and internal security into National and Regional Partnership Plans. Macroregional strategies could encourage these plans to incorporate EUSAIR’s priorities, including the sustainable blue economy, environmental protection, and improved connectivity, ensuring that cross-border projects are part of broader regional development agendas.
Emphasis on Regional Convergence: The proposal highlights the importance of reducing inequalities between regions, aligning with EUSAIR’s mission to boost economic and social cohesion in the Adriatic-Ionian area.
Backing EU Enlargement: With the €200 billion Global Europe Instrument, the EU aims to strengthen cooperation with candidate countries, many of which are EUSAIR members, thereby enhancing regional ties and supporting future EU membership prospects.
Easier Access to Funding: The simplified funding framework is designed to make it easier for EUSAIR initiatives to secure resources, aligning investments with EU priorities such as competitiveness, digital transformation, and climate resilience.
Points to Consider
The MFF 2028–2034 proposal does not specifically mention macroregional strategies in its publicly available documents. However, their goals are embedded within the National and Regional Partnership Plans, which focus on regional cooperation, convergence, and active participation by stakeholders — all fundamental aspects of macroregional strategies. EUSAIR remains dedicated to utilizing these opportunities to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the Adriatic-Ionian region, while also pushing for clear recognition and prioritization of macroregional cooperation in the final MFF framework. Stakeholders and policymakers may find the Final Report titled “EUSAIR Perspective on the Role of Macro-regional Cooperation in the Future Cohesion Policy” valuable, as it summarizes consultations with EUSAIR participants and offers recommendations for the post-2027 Cohesion Policy.
