Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027: The future of EU finances

Briefing 29-01-2021

As of 1 January 2021, the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) that details the structure of EU finances up to 2027 started to apply, following publication of the MFF Regulation in the Official Journal. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the lengthy negotiations in the Council and European Council gained momentum when they became intertwined with the debate on the Next Generation EU recovery instrument. The European Parliament, which gave its consent on 16 December 2020, managed to obtain various changes it had strongly advocated, such as additional resources for flagship programmes and increased flexibility.