Multiannual Financial Framework

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged urgent cooperation on EU priorities, including addressing Chinese exports, finalizing the Multiannual Financial Framework, and creating a capital markets union. They emphasized economic survival amid global competition and potential challenges from a future far-right French presidency, though they avoided explicit references to Marine Le Pen's political prospects.

Former EU leaders urge increased funding for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to address global challenges like supply chain disruptions, health threats, and security. They advocate for a €200 billion Global Europe budget and at least €60 billion in annual own resources to strengthen partnerships and ensure European competitiveness.

Ireland assumes the EU Council's policy negotiations amid high expectations for progress, with a focus on the 7-year budget and addressing challenges like deindustrialization and tech sovereignty. The urgency is driven by the approaching 2027 French presidential election and the need to resolve policy issues before then.

Germany urged EU members to finalize the bloc’s 2028-2034 budget by year-end after Jordan Bardella, a French far-right leader, threatened to halve France’s EU contributions if he comes to power in 2027. Bardella’s comments, which called the proposed timeline 'profoundly anti-democratic,' prompted warnings from centrists and ECB President Christine Lagarde about separatist risks to the EU.

The article features an interview with the Commissioner discussing topics including fertilizers, public procurement, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and Russian fish.