The EU Budget: How Europe Can Deliver

Negotiations on an upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) are proving to be more difficult than ever. There is a clear argument that policy areas which actually provide European added value like defense or immigration need more resources. At the same time, the loss of a substantial net payer with the exit of the United Kingdom will further tighten budget constraints. Against this backdrop, a new study conducted by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and ZEW has explored new ways of dividing the responsibilities for various policy areas between the Union and the Member States which would have substantial implications for the structure of the budget. The study identifies policy areas for which there is a clear case both for and against additional European financing.

In this Lunch Debate, we will present key insights on how the framework of responsibilities within the EU may look like in the future. We will discuss how the budget should be adjusted to meet the emerging challenges facing Europe and also shed light on potential sources of political resistance to these plans.