On 18 June 2026, as the European Council meeting in Brussels takes place, Civil Society Europe and a wide number of civil society, non-profit, education, research, culture, philanthropy, social services and social economy organisations have launched an open letter in support of a strong EU budget for the period 2028-2034. It has been signed by 316 EU-level, international, and national organisations from all 28 EU countries.
The signatories urge European leaders to use the upcoming discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as a chance to provide the EU with the necessary resources to face current challenges. Europe requires a budget that can match its ambitions when facing geopolitical instability, climate change, technological transformation and growing social needs.
The letter supports the European Parliament’s proposal to dedicate the full budget proposed by the Commission to new investments, leaving the repayment of NextGenerationEU as a separate matter outside the MFF. This approach would allow the EU to invest more in social cohesion, sustainable development, research and innovation, youth, culture, external action and the green transition.
Signatories also request a discussion on how the EU budget is financed, supporting the development of new and genuine own resources. This would mean moving beyond a debate that is currently focused on national contributions and returns. In order to stick to its objectives and values, the EU needs a stronger budget that is backed by sustainable revenue sources.
These challenges require “a collective approach to project our continent in the next decade”, states the letter. “Civil society is ready to support European leaders in the common reflection on the direction our Union should go”.