On 16 July 2025, the European Commission unveiled its eagerly anticipated proposal for the next EU long-term budget – the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 – introducing a new Global Europe instrument. In this guide, Alexei Jones unpacks the core features of the instrument, highlighting what is new, what is at stake and what to watch for in the upcoming negotiations on the 2028-2034 MFF.
Summary
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission unveiled its eagerly anticipated proposal for the next EU long-term budget – the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 – introducing a new Global Europe instrument. This guide provides a structured guide to the proposed instrument, unpacking its core features and raising key dilemmas for the negotiations ahead.
The Global Europe instrument consolidates existing instruments into a single, more flexible architecture, with a greater focus on EU geopolitical and economic interests. It includes new support for European competitiveness and a hardening of migration conditionality. The proposal aims for greater EU agility, notably by removing many binding spending targets, increasing non-programmable funding and expanding the financial toolbox. But these changes raise significant concerns about predictability, oversight, the dilution of specific mandates and the politicisation of humanitarian aid.
This guide offers early analysis of what is new, what is at stake and what to watch for in the upcoming negotiations. It highlights four central dilemmas – architectural, governance, strategic and implementation – that will shape the future of EU external action.
About the Author
Dr Alexei Jones is the head of ECDPM’s European foreign and development policy team.