Commissioner Piotr Serafin delivered closing remarks at the 2025 Annual EU Budget Conference in Brussels, emphasizing key orientations for the future EU budget based on the conference discussions and the President of the Commission's vision.
\nA Push for Flexibility and Simplicity Serafin underscored the growing consensus about increasing the EU budget's flexibility, highlighting that while not all contingencies can be anticipated, preparedness can be improved. He proposed reducing the current 52 distinct spending programs to simplify access to funds and increase adaptability, addressing concerns about administrative burdens and complex eligibility criteria that impact both beneficiaries and national authorities.
\nModernisation Within Established Policies The Commissioner reassured stakeholders about the continued centrality of cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). However, he stressed that these flagship policies require modernization to align with evolving priorities. This approach seeks to maintain support for farmers and regions, while inviting their participation through proposed National and Regional Partnerships in policy design and implementation.
\nEfficiency and Strategic Impact Serafin highlighted the necessity of maximizing value from limited budgetary resources by smartly leveraging public funds to attract private investment. This points to a policy orientation favoring innovation in budget deployment, emphasizing growth, competitiveness, and quick reaction to unforeseen events.
\nStakeholder Implications EU producers in agriculture and regional development may benefit from the commitment to uphold CAP and cohesion policy, albeit with anticipated policy shifts. National authorities face pressures to collaborate more closely with regions, impacting administrative dynamics. Consumers might expect better delivery and responsiveness of EU-funded programs, while taxpayers could see the budget reoriented toward strategic priorities with an aim for efficiency.
Serafin's remarks reflect a detailed yet cautiously framed call for a more agile, simplified, and outcome-focused EU budget, signalling a moderate evolution rather than radical overhaul in policy direction.
← Atlas › News › Budget & Administration