Progressive European Finance, The MFF’s Role for a Prosperous Europe

In May 2018 the European Commission presented its proposal for the EU’s new Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021 to 2027 and it’s financing. The MFF is the core element of the common European budget policy and reflects the EU’s policy priorities. To different degrees it fulfils distinct economic functions, namely the provision of public goods, the correction of income inequalities and the reduction of fluctuations in the economic cycles.

However the EU budget – even more so due to its limited size – is only one instrument for making the EU more social and strengthening its economy and currency. To avoid a huge expectation-capability gap there should not only be a debate about the full potential of the EU’s budget but also going beyond, including complementary elements for progressive finance.

Against this background László Andor has come forward with a study for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung on "Resources for a Prosperous Europe", scrutinizing the MFF's politics, its economics and operation, including distinct recommendations in order to increase the EU budget’s potential.

Our event we will not only present the study but will also give us the opportunity listening to  the opening remarks of Elżbieta Bieńkowska, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, thus allowing us to have a deeper insight in the role of budget, investment and finance for a crucial EU policy area and its contribution to a prosperous EU.