Recommendations of the National Convent on the EU: Czech Republic and the Priorities of the New Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034

The following recommendations emerged from the presented positions and subsequent discussion:

• The Czech Republic should define clear priorities. Given the need for new expenditures to strengthen competitiveness, defense, the reconstruction of Ukraine, and the annual debt repayments of EUR 25–30 billion from the NGEU, as well as the potential impact of EU enlargement, there is growing pressure to prioritize within the EU budget. These expected new expenditures must also be taken into account when setting budgetary priorities.

• Considering the growing number of spending priorities, an increase in the overall volume of the EU budget (and potentially related off-budget instruments) cannot be ruled out. The Czech Republic should be open to discussions on such proposals. Any potential new resources should respect individual Member States' economic level. The Czech Republic should also be open to discussions on all proposals regarding defense financing, including debt-based instruments.

• The Czech Republic should prepare for new challenges that can be expected while implementing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The European Commission plans to strengthen the element of performance-based budgeting and expand the use of financial instruments in the next MFF proposal. The Czech Republic should aim for such a setup of EU budget programs that will allow for maximum participation of Czech entities in centrally managed (community) programs. Given the increasing importance of these programs, the Czech Republic should strengthen the capacities of Czech applicants, including through education and internationalization projects.

• The Czech Republic should actively involve stakeholders from various groups in the negotiations and preparations of the new MFF. Inter-ministerial cooperation, along with communication with cities, municipalities, regions, and interest groups, can be particularly effective in this regard. In public communication about the EU budget, it is important to emphasize the added value of the European budget, rather than merely the Czech Republic’s position as a net beneficiary.

Read the full recommendation of the National Convent on the EU below: