Edit16 EU countries battle to protect traditional funding against Brussels’ new priorities
'Friends of Cohesion' form united front against proposed cuts, setting up fierce battle with net contributor states ahead of critical negotiations
Sixteen European Union member states have launched a coordinated offensive to secure substantially higher funding for cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in the eurobloc’s next seven-year budget, which will run from 2028 to 2034.
In a joint declaration, the group, known as the Friends of Cohesion, argues that these foundational policies should not face real-term reductions at a time when the long-term EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), is set to expand.
The signatories include Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia. Their statement, warns that failing to bolster these areas would undermine the EU’s core objectives of economic convergence, territorial cohesion, and food security.
What the 16 countries oppose
The group’s central grievance is clear: while the European Commission’s proposal for a €1.8 trillion MFF represents an overall increase in EU spending, cohesion, agriculture, and fisheries are the only major policy areas facing real cuts. These policies currently make up a significant portion of the budget – around 53.7% under Heading 1, and are described by the 16 countries as the most visible and tangible benefits of EU membership for ordinary citizens.
The Friends of Cohesion are not merely asking for more money – they are firmly opposing the European Commission’s vision of fundamentally reshaping the EU budget by cutting traditional policies to finance new priorities. They strongly oppose the Commission’s push to turn cohesion funds into a more centralised, crisis-response instrument with rigid Brussels-imposed rules and a large mandatory 10% crisis reserve, insisting instead on preserving the principle of shared management that gives member states genuine flexibility. Furthermore, they reject the continuation of rebates that reduce the contributions of wealthy member states after 2027, viewing them as unjustified, and resist any attempt to subordinate proven policies that deliver tangible benefits to citizens – economic convergence, territorial cohesion, and food security – to newer green and digital priorities.
“Cohesion Policy, CAP and the CFP are the only policies facing reductions in real terms, despite the overall increase in the size of the new MFF,” the statement reads. The countries call for increased national allocations under Heading 1, which covers economic, social and territorial cohesion as well as agriculture, rural development, and maritime affairs. They also emphasize preserving the principle of shared management, giving member states meaningful flexibility in how funds are programmed rather than imposing rigid central rules.
This push comes amid broader debates about the future shape of the EU budget. The Commission’s draft introduces greater flexibility and envisions using the funds more strategically for new priorities such as green and digital transitions. However, the Friends of Cohesion argue that these ambitions must not come at the expense of proven policies that drive convergence between richer and poorer regions and support the agricultural sector, which remains vital for food security and rural economies across much of Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe.
The group also stresses the need for new own resources to ease pressure on national contributions. Ideas under discussion include revenues from carbon pricing mechanisms, digital taxes, or other innovative sources. In exchange for more funding for traditional policies, several countries have signaled openness to exploring new joint borrowing instruments, similar to those used during the COVID-19 crisis through Next Generation EU. A more gradual repayment schedule for existing pandemic-related debt is also on the table.
Clash with frugal states intensifies
The declaration represents a significant escalation in tensions between the cohesion-focused member states and the so-called frugal or net contributor countries, which include Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and the Netherlands. These wealthier nations have made it clear they oppose dramatic increases in the overall budget size and are particularly resistant to new common EU debt.
Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre recently stated that the EU “cannot continue spending more and more on traditional areas.” Swedish European Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz echoed this sentiment, warning that there is simply “not any room for a dramatic increase” in contributions from net payers. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also repeatedly voiced strong opposition to new joint borrowing.
The Friends of Cohesion are equally firm on another contentious issue: the abolition of rebates that reduce the contributions of certain wealthy member states. They argue there is “no political or economic rationale” for continuing these discounts beyond 2027. This stance directly challenges the positions of countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, which have historically defended their rebates.
The political friction is compounded by criticism of the Commission’s approach to cohesion reform. Some within the Friends of Cohesion group, including Italy, have distanced themselves from elements of the current proposal pushed by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto. They oppose turning cohesion policy into a permanent crisis-response tool and suggest reducing the proposed 10% crisis reserve, preferring that reprogramming of funds remain a voluntary option for member states.
Negotiations on the MFF are entering a decisive phase. The Cypriot presidency has been consulting with member states and is expected to present a more detailed draft with specific figures in June. EU leaders will provide political guidance at the upcoming European Council summit, with the goal of reaching a final agreement by the end of 2026 so that the new framework can take effect in 2028.
The outcome remains highly uncertain. While the Friends of Cohesion represent a powerful bloc of 16 countries determined to protect funds that support convergence and rural development, the net contributors are organising their own resistance. With national elections looming in several key countries, including France, Italy, and Poland, the pressure to deliver favorable results for domestic audiences is mounting.
At stake is not only the size of the budget, potentially approaching €2 trillion when including Next Generation EU repayments, but also the fundamental direction of European integration. The Friends of Cohesion maintain that strengthening the internal market and supporting less developed regions remains essential for the EU’s long-term competitiveness and strategic autonomy. As one Czech official put it, new priorities are welcome, but they cannot come at the expense of policies that have proven their value over decades.
The coming months promise intense diplomatic bargaining as both sides seek to shape the EU’s financial future in a period marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical challenges, and competing demands on public finances.
Sources: Update-eu.cz, Czech News Agency, Reuters, Politico, ANSA
Caption: A view of rapeseed fields in bloom near Zuklin, southeastern Poland, 02 May 2026 (issued 03 May 2026). Poland is one of top EU producers of rapeseed for high-quality edible oils and sustainable biofuels. EPA/DAREK DELMANOWICZ
Updated: May 27, 2026 - 09:46
