Euro Coop Supports Cooperatives Europe Position on the Future EU Budget

Euro Coop has joined a new position paper developed by Cooperatives Europe setting out the cooperative movement's recommendations for the European Union's next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034.

Published following the EU Commission's proposal for a nearly €2 trillion EU budget, the paper outlines how the future financial framework can better support competitiveness, social cohesion, rural development, and sustainable growth while recognising the contribution of cooperatives across Europe.

The position paper welcomes efforts to simplify the EU budget architecture and reduce administrative burdens for beneficiaries, including the creation of a single-entry funding portal. At the same time, it raises concerns about the proposed centralisation of funding through the new National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), warning that it could weaken support for social cohesion, rural development, and community-led initiatives that are vital to many cooperative enterprises.

The document calls for stronger multilevel governance, meaningful involvement of social economy organisations and cooperatives in the management of EU funds, and dedicated support for rural development and social inclusion. It also stresses the importance of maintaining adequate social spending and ensuring that the social economy continues to receive long-term support under future EU programmes.

The position paper further calls for improved access to financing for cooperative enterprises and social economy actors, dedicated support for SMEs within the proposed European Competitiveness Fund, and greater recognition of the social economy's contribution to Europe's prosperity and innovation capacity.

In its conclusions, Cooperatives Europe emphasises that cooperative enterprises are strategic partners in delivering the EU's objectives for territorial development, social cohesion, competitiveness, and economic sovereignty. The organisation therefore calls on the European Commission, the European Parliament, and Member States to ensure that the next EU budget fully recognises and supports the cooperative business model.

Read the full position paper: Towards a New EU Multiannual Financial Framework: The Cooperative Response.