19 Oct 2026
Business Europe criticises disproportionate cuts to EU competitiveness funding in latest MFF proposal
Business Europe, the association representing European business federations, has reacted to the Irish Council Presidency's most recent proposal for the budget of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028-2034), criticising amongst others what it calls "disproportionate cuts on competitiveness funding".
Business Europe warns that the Irish Presidency’s latest proposal for the EU’s 2028-2034 budget would disproportionately cut funding for competitiveness and research, while the proposed Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE) would impose a damaging new burden on companies, weakening their ability to invest and compete.
The latest proposal would reduce the overall budget by €141 billion, or 8%, compared with the Commission’s proposal. Business Europe highlights that the cuts would fall particularly heavily on the competitiveness, prosperity and security heading, which would lose €67 billion, or 13%, while Global Europe would lose €33 billion, or 17% (all figures measured against the EC's original proposal, in constant 2025 prices).
While the association supports adequate funding for cohesion policy, which can also help strengthen competitiveness, it stresses Europe urgently needs to close its innovation and productivity gaps. Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund are key instruments for turning research into innovation, investment and growth. Their funding must reflect that ambition, Business Europe states.
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