EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, details the future of Ukraine's financial assistance after EU membership
In the upcoming financial planning, Ukraine's defence spending is set to be a top priority. This comes as the European Union (EU) prepares to adopt its Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034, with a proposed budget of €2 trillion – an increase from the previous seven-year budget of €1.2 trillion. The MFF includes €100 billion specifically earmarked for Ukraine, should it join the EU before 2034.
The new MFF proposal emphasises increased flexibility to respond quickly to changing circumstances or new priorities, including enlargement. This means that the budget can adapt to new members like Ukraine more readily than in previous frameworks. However, any significant changes to the MFF, such as increasing the budget to accommodate a new member state or reallocating funds, require the approval of both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Should Ukraine join the EU before the current MFF period ends, a formal process of negotiation and unanimous approval by the EU institutions would be necessary to revise the MFF. This process would likely involve several stages:
1. Recognition of Ukraine’s accession to the EU. 2. Proposal for adjustment or revision of the MFF by the European Commission to reflect the enlargement. 3. Negotiations among the member states and the European Parliament. 4. Unanimous approval by all member states for any changes to the MFF. 5. Implementation of adjusted budget and programs to incorporate Ukraine effectively.
The new MFF design includes national and regional partnership plans to direct investments and reforms where most needed. This framework could be used to tailor funds specifically for Ukraine’s integration and development needs.
It's important to note that in the past, accessions have resulted in a revision of the MFF. The promise and the obligation of the candidate in the financial regulation is a revision of the MFF with an accession. The process respects the current legal and political frameworks governing EU finances, aiming to maintain budgetary discipline while allowing the budget to be dynamic enough to accommodate enlargement such as Ukraine’s accession before 2034.
As always, the accession details have to be negotiated and discussed. The current situation serves as a reminder of the EU's commitment to its potential new member, Ukraine, and its readiness to adapt its financial framework to accommodate enlargement.
- The new national and regional partnership plans under the MFF could be utilized to direct investments and reforms specifically for Ukraine's integration and development needs, given its potential accession to the EU.
- Should Ukraine join the EU before 2034, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU would need to approve any significant changes to the MFF to accommodate its inclusion, following a formal negotiation process.
- As the EU prepares to adapt its MFF to account for potential enlargement, such as Ukraine's accession, the general-news discussion revolves around the EU's ability to balancebudgetary discipline with dynamism to accommodate new members while ensuring cultural, industry, political, and health cohesion within the union.
