Today, the European Commission has published a Communication on “The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework”. It outlines the key policy and budgetary challenges that will shape the design of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF, 7-year budget). “This lays the groundwork for reflections on how to adapt the EU’s long-term budget to evolving needs and priorities”, a statement reads. With this Communication, the Commission also launches in parallel a Europe-wide campaign with a range of stakeholders, including Member States governments, regional entities, and citizens. “The European budget supports citizens, farmers, researchers, businesses and regions across Europe and beyond. It has proven essential for improving the lives of Europeans. Together with NextGenerationEU – according to the Commission –, it helped overcome a pandemic and energy crisis, while saving millions of jobs during lockdowns and investing in our clean and digital future”. The EU budget also “provided unprecedented support to Ukraine and the security of Europe, in the face of Russia’s war of aggression”. “The objective of a free, democratic, strong, secure, prosperous and competitive Europe calls for a reformed and reinforced EU budget – simpler, more flexible, more targeted and impactful”. The new fiscal approach “should include a plan for each country with key reforms and investments, designed and implemented in partnership with national, regional, and local authorities”.