Debate on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034 held in the Seimas

On 16 October 2025, the Seimas hosted a debate, entitled ‘The Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union for 2028–2034: Lithuania’s priorities and strategic objectives of the European Union’.

European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, presented the Commission’s new proposal for the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasising the importance of striking the right balance.

‘We continue to support policies that have proven effective, while also addressing emerging challenges, namely defence, security, and competitiveness. Cohesion and agricultural policy will remain key pillars of the EU budget, though their funding will remain stable. We will allocate new resources to areas of greatest political urgency, including defence, security, competitiveness, and border protection,’ Mr Serafin stated.

The Commissioner explained that the proposal is built on national and regional partnership plans. ‘This is a new, integrated co-investment model. Europe’s priorities are shared, but our challenges vary. These plans combine reform and investment into a single coherent framework, linking cohesion, agriculture, and other major programmes, with total funding of EUR 865 billion. Implementation will be carried out in cooperation between the Commission and national and regional stakeholders,’ he said.

Mr Serafin reaffirmed that agricultural policy remains vital for food security. ‘We will work to ensure stable funding for farmers, with approximately EUR 300 billion allocated. Agricultural funding will be simplified,’ he noted. To address shared challenges at the EU’s external borders and strengthen European capabilities, relevant funds will be integrated into national and regional plans, Mr Serafin said.

‘Member States will receive a pre-allocated EUR 34 billion for migration and border management – three times the current amount. We will double the funding for Frontex and Europol. The proposal reflects the specific needs of Member States with external EU borders, particularly in the current geopolitical context. The Commission clearly recognises Lithuania’s key role in safeguarding the Union’s external border and ensuring regional security. Accordingly, the proposal increases funding for border management and resilience measures, with additional resources allocated to border regions adjacent to Belarus and Russia,’ the Commissioner stressed. He also highlighted that defence is now a top European priority, which will be clearly reflected in the budget figures.

Rasa Budbergytė, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and Chair of the Committee on European Affairs, noted that the negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework are likely to be complex, with a final agreement potentially reached during Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. She stated that this is a significant opportunity for Lithuania to help actively shape key European decisions.

‘Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, hybrid threats, and information attacks near our borders and those of the EU demand swift action. The new financial framework must ensure long-term sustainable funding for the EU defence industry and stable support for Ukraine,’ Ms Budbergytė stressed.

She welcomed the increased funding for strategically important transport, energy infrastructure, and military mobility projects. ‘Projects such as Rail Baltica and Via Baltica are more than transport corridors – they directly strengthen the connection between the Baltic States and Western Europe, support NATO mobility, and enhance regional competitiveness. I am pleased that these projects are receiving clear priority and adequate funding. However, we must also ensure funding for the resilience of critical infrastructure,’ she added.

Commenting on the new integrated budget model, Ms Budbergytė stressed the importance of preserving the autonomy of individual EU policies: ‘A shared plan and common framework risk weakening traditionally strong policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy, making it difficult to achieve their objectives and deliver results. We will therefore advocate for cohesion policy and agricultural policy to remain distinct and adequately funded, and for the convergence of direct payments to be completed – ensuring fair competition for all EU farmers, including those in Lithuania,’ she stressed.

Algirdas Sysas, Chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance, reiterated Lithuania’s position: ‘We all need a financially strong, secure, and competitive European Union – one that can respond swiftly to crises. Promoting economic convergence between Member States is also key.’ 

He expressed concern: ‘Cohesion is a cornerstone of the EU’s solidarity, yet its real funding level may be declining, despite persistent regional disparities.’

Mr Sysas reaffirmed Lithuania’s commitment to completing the external convergence of direct payments, so that farmers across EU Member States compete on equal terms in the single market. ‘We also need to maintain sufficient funding for both pillars of the CAP – direct payments and rural development. However, we do not support transferring CAP objectives to national or regional partnership plans, as this would increase administrative burdens and reduce efficiency.’ He concluded by advocating for the retention of the current mechanism, which ensures flexibility and a realistic pace of project implementation.

During the debate, representatives of the Seimas political groups – Jurgita Šukevičienė, Ingrida Šimonytė, Algirdas Butkevičius, Simonas Gentvilas, and Valius Ąžuolas – shared the views of their respective political groups, underscoring the importance of defending national interests in the negotiations on the EU’s new seven-year financial framework.

Rimas Rudaitis, Adviser, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, 

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