A future-proof, long-term EU budget must defend rule of law and respond to Europe’s changing security landscape

The Committee on Budgets of the European Parliament today adopted its vision for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), ahead of the legislative proposal that the European Commission is due to present in July.

Renew Europe seeks a resilient, values-driven EU budget capable of addressing both internal and external challenges. At the heart of Renew Europe’s position is a clear demand: the next MFF must defend the rule of law and respond decisively to Europe’s evolving security environment.

We secured stronger language in the report on strategic autonomy, investment and competitiveness, the green and energy transitions, security and defence, humanitarian aid and external action, the rule of law and the EPPO, gender and climate mainstreaming, crisis response, and new own resources.

In today’s volatile geopolitical climate, Renew Europe successfully pushed for a clear call to advance a European Defence Union, in close coordination with NATO and with respect for Member States’ neutrality. The next MFF must provide a comprehensive financial framework for EU defence capabilities, ensuring that Europe can act strategically and independently when needed.

Equally essential is the budget’s role in upholding the rule of law and EU values. Renew Europe welcomed the Commission’s commitment to strengthen the connection between the annual rule of law report and access to Union funds, starting in 2025. We call for a robust rule of law toolbox applying across the entire EU budget, building on the RRF conditionality and the Financial Regulation, and Renew advocated strongly for a smart conditionality mechanism so that beneficiaries are not penalised because of their government’s actions. The Commission must monitor Member States’ compliance actively and take swift, consistent action where violations occur.

MEP Fabienne Keller (Renaissance/France) , Renew Europe’s shadow rapporteur, emphasised:

"This report sends a clear signal: the EU budget must be future-proof, values-driven, and accountable. The rule of law is a red line when it comes to EU funds."

We also supported reinforced provisions to promote democratic resilience, including continued EU funding for independent media, investigative journalism, fact-checking, and digital literacy as part of the European Democracy Shield—critical tools in the fight against disinformation and foreign interference.

As the United States retreats from its global leadership role, including major cuts to USAID, the EU must assume greater responsibility. The MFF must position the EU as the world’s leading provider of development and climate aid, uphold the 0.7% GNI commitment, and defend democracy, multilateralism, and human rights.

A future MFF must also remain transparent, flexible, and democratically accountable. Parliament must play a central role in budgetary oversight. We reject rigid national envelopes and call for a structure that enables effective scrutiny without sacrificing simplification or efficiency.

Fabienne Keller added:

"We need a MFF that is truly future-proof—one that equips us to respond to challenges, deliver on our priorities, and build a stronger, more resilient European Union for all its citizens. Renew Europe remains committed to a strategic, value-based EU budget that can defend our principles and respond to a more dangerous and complex world."