(AGENPARL) – Tue 13 January 2026 BusinessEurope calls for a stronger competitiveness framework in the upcoming EU Budget
(Brussels, 13 January 2026)
In view of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and the ongoing political negotiations, BusinessEurope has published two position papers: one on the MFF’s horizontal priorities and one on Horizon Europe and its link to the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). BusinessEurope calls for reinforced funding for the ECF, Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility and Global Europe, in line with the European Commission’s proposals.
Commenting on the publications, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said:
“Maximising the impact of EU programmes requires greater simplification, better accessibility for companies, stronger mobilisation of private investment, meaningful stakeholder involvement, and increased flexibility. At the same time, predictability for long-term investment and research must be preserved.
Competitiveness-related programmes should be excellence-driven, with possible exceptions in limited cases to ensure a minimum degree of geographical balance. The role of regions and territories in designing National Regional Partnership Plans should be safeguarded, and conditionality should be applied consistently with the plans’ objectives.
BusinessEurope also cautions against new own resources based on company levies and stresses that Emissions Trading System and CBAM revenues should remain dedicated to decarbonisation and innovation.
Moreover, BusinessEurope supports closer integration between Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund and calls for a €177 billion Horizon Europe budget (2025 prices), as recommended by the Draghi report, to strengthen industry-led innovation through a reinforced Pillar II and effective public-private partnerships.
BusinessEurope believes that 2026 must be the year of delivery for the next MFF, so we urge the co-legislators to conclude negotiations by the end of this year.”
To read BusinessEurope’s paper on the MFF’s horizontal priorities here and the other Horizon Europe here.
ENDS
About BusinessEurope: As Europe’s largest business organisation and a recognised European social partner, BusinessEurope is a leading advocate for growth and competitiveness at the EU level. Founded in 1958, we speak for enterprises of all sizes in 36 European countries whose 42 national business federations are our direct members.
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