The alliance of EU member states known as the Friends of Cohesion took a major step forward in shaping the future of European Union finances by formalizing a unified position on the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF negotiations). During a ministerial dinner hosted by Romania's Permanent Representation to the European Union, the coalition successfully adopted a

comprehensive Joint MFF Declaration.

The strategic meeting, held at the Romanian headquarters, served to solidify the group's collective baseline before the impending introduction of the "Negotiating Box" (Nego-box). This framework will dictate terms ahead of the highly anticipated June European Council summit.

Unified Demands for the Next EU Budget

The ministerial discussions yielded a powerful message of unified action and solidarity directed squarely at fellow member states and core EU institutions. The Friends of Cohesion group outlined four non-negotiable pillars to safeguard regional development, economic stability, and fairness within the single market.

• 

• Protecting Traditional Policies: The coalition is demanding a robust increase in funding allocations specifically for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and structural cohesion funds.

• Realistic Implementation: Ministers emphasized the need for practical operational conditions to prevent cohesion policy from being watered down or repurposed into a temporary crisis-management tool.

• Market Competitiveness: The declaration calls for strengthened EU-wide competitiveness that directly enhances and protects the integrity of the Single Market.

• Abolition of Rebates: The group is seeking the complete elimination of arbitrary budgetary discounts and rebates tied to Gross National Income (GNI).

Preparing for the General Affairs Council

Alliance leaders stressed that rigorous coordination remains the absolute key to navigating the powerful and highly complex MFF negotiations. By presenting a unified front, the member states aim to secure an adequate, ambitious, and structurally sound total budget volume for the European Union.

Following the successful conclusion of the ministerial dinner, the high-level deliverable is slated for immediate presentation. The group's leadership will formally table the Joint MFF Declaration to the General Affairs Council (GAC) ministers tomorrow to cement these financial priorities into the broader legislative agenda.