Unboxing the next EU budget proposal: What’s at stake for local sustainable energy projects?

In July, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for the next long-term EU budget (2028–2034): a €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The MFF stirs the direction of EU action for the next 7 years, and amongst its multiple objectives it sets the rules for the EU programmes local and regional governments rely on every day: Cohesion Policy (ERDF), the Just Transition Fund, ESF+, Erasmus+, LIFE, Horizon Europe, INTERREG and more. The proposal brings numerous novelties, including National and Regional Partnership Plans gathering cohesion, agriculture, home affairs and social policies and programmes, as well as a new European Competitiveness Fund that sets a clear emphasis on clean energy. The proposal intends to simplify access to funding by reducing the number of programmes and proposes to set some climate and social targets across the whole EU budget. However, concerns are emerging about the renationalisation of part of the budget and the ability of cities and regions to plan, invest and deliver on the energy transition This webinar organised by the Prospect Cube project unpacked what is at stake for local and regional governments in the negotiations on the next EU budget. Together, speakers discussed what is on the table and what needs to change to ensure EU funding continues to support the local energy transition. What could national and regional partnership plans—modelled on the Recovery and Resilience Plans—look like? Will subnational governments be able to access the European Competitiveness Fund? What is the future of the LIFE programme? More materials here: https://h2020prospect.eu/news-events/...