Executive Vice-President Fitto

First, I will explain the structure and objectives of the National and Regional Partnership Plans, focusing on key elements.

The architecture of these plans allocates funding flexibly to address local needs, improves efficiency by reducing bureaucracy, and strategically meets citizens expectations.

The plan integrates various existing funds: CAP, RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS, ERDF, COHESION FUND, Just Transition Fund, ESF, Fisheries, and HOME.

Total financing will be approximately 865 billion euros from 2028 to 2034, with at least 296 billion euros earmarked for farmers and fishermens income support, 34 billion euros for migration and border management, and around 450 billion euros for cohesion, rural development, and fishing communities, matching current MFF levels.

Of this, 218 billion euros will support less developed regions of Europe, similar to the 2021-27 funding levels from ERDF/ESF. Implementation will depend on achieving specific milestones and targets, addressing Member States challenges.

Plans will be executed in partnership with national and regional authorities, involving stakeholders at all levels, under a multi-level governance approach that reflects each Member States setup as per Article 21 of the regulation.

Regarding cohesion, the plans significantly contribute to cohesion objectives. Economic, social, and territorial cohesion is a fundamental goal of the Fund financing the National and Regional Partnership Plan, aligning with treaty requirements.

Member States must specify allocations for less developed regions, regions in transition, and more developed regions, including specific areas like Outermost regions, sparsely populated northern regions of Finland and Sweden, islands, urban areas, rural areas, and Eastern Border regions.

A minimum of 218 billion euros is guaranteed for less developed regions, equivalent to the 2021-27 support levels under ERDF/ESF. This proposal from the European Commission marks the beginning of our collaborative journey with Parliament and Council for Europes prosperity.

We need flexibility, as shown by our recent trilogue agreement on MTR regulation, enhancing cohesion programs responsiveness to new challenges.

Thank you.

Executive Vice-Presidents Mînzatu

Thank you, Commissioner Fitto.

I will now discuss key social and educational elements in the next budget.

Funding for social spending is secured with at least 100 billion euros in National and Regional Partnerships and an additional 50 billion euros from the European Social Climate Fund, alongside dedicated regulations for the European Social Fund.

A minimum of 14% of National and Regional Partnerships will focus on social spending, excluding agriculture, in line with the European Social Fund regulations.

This totals a minimum of 100 billion euros, an increase from the current ESF of 96 billion euros. Social investments will be integrated into National Regional Partnerships, providing comprehensive actions for Member States to invest in people.

The Social Climate Fund, based on assigned revenues, is outside the MFF envelope, amounting to 50 billion euros.

National and Regional Partnerships will also allocate 216 billion euros for less developed regions, focusing on those most in need.

For the first time, social spending will be tracked across the entire MFF.

Within the European Competitiveness Fund, commitments will focus on skills guarantees and vocational training.

Additionally, a crisis mechanism will support all hazards, including a permanent SURE mechanism.

The future Erasmus+ will see an increase from 26 to 40.8 billion euros, enhancing its ambition.

Erasmus for All will remain the flagship program, becoming more inclusive and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Key components like mobility, youth, and sport will be strengthened, alongside the continuation of the European Solidarity Corps benefiting from increased flexibility in the new integrated Erasmus fund.

The new AgoraEU fund will cover previous programs under Creative Europe (and Media), CERV (and Daphne), doubling the finance to 8.6 billion euros compared to current fund envelopes.

The AgoraEU program will integrate strands for Culture, Media+, and Democracy, reinforcing the EUs commitment to democracy and participation.

I support these plans for the next MFF, placing people at the heart of Europes future.

Thank you, now I hand over to my colleague Commissioner Hansen.

Commissioner Hansen

Thank you for being here today.

Over recent months, Ive traveled across our Union, from family farms to larger cooperatives, witnessing the strength in our farming diversity.

I listened to farmers who rise before dawn, concerned about their harvests and animals, and how to sustain their farms for future generations. As a farmers son, I understand their daily uncertainties.

The package we present today acknowledges farmers vital roles as food producers, landscape stewards, tradition keepers, and community pillars.

CAP will remain a cornerstone of EU funding, becoming simpler, more targeted, and impactful while maintaining essential farmer support.

Farmers need predictability, and this CAP provides it.

We secured at least 300 billion euros for income support and crisis management, fully ringfenced for farmers, with Member States investing based on their specific needs.

Income support now encompasses not just direct payments but also agri-environmental actions and investments in young farmers. The CAP toolbox is comprehensive.

Farmers can plan confidently, knowing inflation wont erode their support value, thanks to new adjustment methods shielding them from price fluctuations.

Our approach with CAP is evolutionary, aiming for a common policy thats simpler and modern while retaining familiar tools.

We propose merging existing CAP funds into a cohesive set of instruments, eliminating overlaps for better-targeted support, especially for young and small family farms.

Coupled income support will increase from 13% to 20%, with an extra 5% for sectors needing it most, like livestock and sensitive border areas.

Incentives are central to this policy; farmers want to protect the environment and deserve recognition and support. Were shifting from complex requirements to a system rewarding their environmental efforts.

A new category of transition payments will offer up to €200,000 to support ambitious plans, facilitating innovation in agriculture.

Were prioritizing generational renewal with starter packs and increased support for young farmers, alongside a strategy for young farmers to be presented this Autumn.

Rural innovation and entrepreneurship will be reinforced, with agriculture benefiting from the Horizon Framework Programme and European Competitiveness Fund. Mental health and work-life balance for farmers will also receive attention, introducing support for relief services during sickness or holidays.

For crisis management, we introduce the Unity Safety Net with a capacity of 6.3 billion euros, doubling the current agricultural reserve, safeguarding farmers during market disturbances.

Alongside CAP proposals, were reviewing the Common Market Organisation Regulation to stimulate the plant protein sector and strengthen protections for meat denominations and origin labelling, ensuring EU products are prioritized in school schemes.

This package sends a strong message: Europe stands by its farmers, securing income, fostering sustainability, innovation, and empowering the next generation. Our agricultural policy is becoming simpler, fairer, and future-ready.

Thank you.