Poland’s EU presidency coincides with the launch of discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will define the EU’s spending priorities for 2028–2034. The draft budget is expected to be ready in July, followed by negotiations between EU institutions. Given Poland’s track record in utilizing EU funds, especially Cohesion Policy, the country is expected to play a significant role in shaping the new framework. That’s why Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) responsible for the MFF have begun their consultations in Warsaw.
“Poland plays a vital role in shaping the new MFF because it is a strong example of how the Cohesion Fund benefits citizens—improving healthcare, safety, education, and overall quality of life,” said Portuguese MEP Carla Tavares in an interview with Newseria. Tavares, together with Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan, is co-rapporteur for the European Parliament’s position on the new EU budget.
In early April, the two MEPs held consultations in Warsaw with Polish MPs, government officials, NGOs, and Frontex representatives. They also met with social partners and stakeholders at the European Parliament’s Liaison Office in Poland.
“The priorities we’re discussing in the European Parliament are closely aligned with Poland’s national priorities. The challenges facing the EU are much the same as those facing Poland—this creates a unique opportunity for cooperation and exchange of ideas on how we can collectively respond,” said Tavares.
In May, the European Parliament will vote on a report outlining its vision for the post-2027 MFF. Among the key challenges are growing geopolitical tensions, the war in Ukraine, and the urgent need to bolster EU competitiveness, resilience, security, and defense.
“We’re now facing new challenges—defense, security, and readiness. We’ve heard the European Commission President’s proposal for ‘Readiness 2030.’ While defense spending is clearly essential, we must also preserve funding for Cohesion Policy. The real challenge lies in balancing new priorities with existing commitments,” Tavares explained. “What we have now for defense is not enough. I believe all member states now support increasing the defense budget, particularly in light of today’s geopolitical situation. Our perspective on this has changed significantly over the past six months.”
At the end of March, the EU Council adopted its conclusions on the future of Cohesion Policy after 2027. These conclusions will serve as a basis for the Commission’s upcoming work on legislative proposals for the policy. The March debate reaffirmed that the goal of economic, social, and territorial cohesion remains central to the European project.
The Council highlighted findings from the Letta report, which emphasized that a well-implemented Cohesion Policy is crucial for the success of the EU’s single market. The Council reiterated that cohesion and competitiveness are interconnected—progress in both areas is essential for achieving the EU’s strategic goals.
The Council concluded that Cohesion Policy should continue to play a pivotal role in reducing regional disparities, helping less-developed regions catch up with more prosperous ones, and ensuring balanced convergence across the EU.
