The Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU has published its revised proposal for the EU’s next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, following three months of negotiations with Member States.

The proposal outlines a €1.62 trillion budget, representing a 30% increase on the current MFF, while proposing €141 billion in savings compared with the European Commission’s original proposal. A key focus is strengthening European competitiveness, with more than €400 billion proposed for competitiveness-related programmes, double the allocation under the current budget. Priorities include research, innovation, security and defence, alongside continued support for agriculture, cohesion and regional development.

Strengthening European competitiveness, supporting innovation and creating the conditions for businesses to invest and grow remain key priorities for Dublin Chamber. The proposed increase in competitiveness funding is particularly relevant to these priorities, with the final allocation and accessibility of funding for businesses important considerations as negotiations progress.

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