The European debate on the future of Community funds is entering its decisive phase, with direct implications for countries, such as Hungary, that rely heavily on cohesion resources for infrastructural and industrial development. The European Parliament has recently approved its negotiating position on the figures and structure of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034.
Parliament's position outlines an expansionary budget and sets precise conditions for the disbursement of funds, with particular attention to the protection of final beneficiaries. Below are the key points for member companies:
Budget Increase and Defence of Cohesion: MEPs propose a budget of 1,780 billion euros (in constant 2025 prices), marking an increase of around 10% compared to the Commission's proposal. Parliament firmly opposes any fragmentation or renationalisation of resources and rejects the idea of a "single plan per Member State". On the contrary, the House calls for maintaining distinct and reinforced funds for historic priorities such as cohesion policy, essential for the development of industrial districts in Central and Eastern Europe.
Rule of Law and Protection of Final Beneficiaries: The most sensitive and relevant point for the Hungarian context concerns the conditionality of funds. Parliament reiterated that respect for EU values and the rule of law remains a "precondition" for accessing Union funds.
Safeguard for Businesses: In a passage of fundamental importance, MEPs emphasised a guarantee principle: penalising final beneficiaries (such as companies, SMEs and researchers) for rule-of-law violations committed by their governments must be avoided.
What does this mean for Hungary and for our companies?
This stance taken by Strasbourg fits perfectly with the current phase of political transition in Budapest. While the new Hungarian government works to realign itself with Community standards and unlock the frozen resources of the RRF and cohesion policy, the European Parliament's indication offers a safety net for the future. Establishing that the institutional dispute between Brussels and a capital should not fall upon the "final beneficiaries" means guaranteeing greater financial certainty to Italian companies in Hungary that participate or intend to participate in EU co-financed calls. The text now passes to negotiations with the Council of the EU, whose work will enter its decisive phase in the coming months. Confindustria will continue to monitor the evolution of the dossier to ensure that the voice of industry is heard.
Article by the Delegation of Confindustria to the European Union.
