The AER President, Magnus Berntsson, met virtually today with Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration to discuss the Commission’s proposal for the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and recovery plan.

Magnus Berntsson emphasized the importance of an ambitious long-term EU budget that secures a more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive Europe.

The AER President underlined the critical role of cohesion policy in responding to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and in supporting the transition towards a green, digital and fair Europe.

The meeting was an opportunity to give a strong warning against the attempt to centralise cohesion policy and stress the importance of involving local and regional authorities in the design and implementation of future investment programmes, in line with the principles of partnership and multilevel governance.

The AER President and Commissioner Hahn agreed on the need for a swift agreement on the MFF and its sectoral instruments for timely financing and start of EU programmes in 2021.