Multiannual Financial Framework - Public Consultations Open
The European Commission recently published a Communication on ‘The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework’, which outlines the key policy and budgetary challenges that will shape the design of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Among other points, it:
- Stresses the need to maximise the impact of funding and to focus more strictly on core EU priorities;
- Mentions the creation of a potential European Competitiveness Fund, with an investment capacity to support strategic sectors and critical technologies;
- Requires for the budget to be policy-based, rather than programme-based;
- Calls for simplification and flexibility, with fewer programmes and a country-specific plan linking key reforms with investments, and with swift responses to crises.
The Commission will present its proposal for the next MFF in July.
As an opportunity for all Europeans to express their views on the future of the EU budget, the Commission has launched a series of public consultations on the most relevant topics with deadline of 6 May 2025.
For now, no decision has been made regarding the exact structure of the MFF, nor the programmes and investment modes it will propose.
At this stage, we would like to draw your attention to the following three consultations that are relevant to digital infrastructure investment:
- On EU funding on Competitiveness,
- On Implementing EU funding with Member States and regions,
- On EU funding for civil protection, preparedness and response to crises.
We invite you to contribute to the above-mentioned consultations before the announced deadline. Your opinion, as regards EU support for the deployment of future digital connectivity infrastructures of common interest, would be instrumental to the shaping of our proposal of the next multiannual budget.
The European Digital Connectivity Awards 2025
The European Digital Connectivity Awards 2025 reward projects that contribute to the fulfilment of Europe's Digital Decade connectivity objectives. These objectives rely on providing citizens with access to high-capacity, secure and sustainable digital connectivity and services. Winners will receive an EU Digital Connectivity Award and will be showcased by the European Commission in an award ceremony at the end of Connected Europe Facility conference on 7 October 2025.
Apply now
The deadline for submissions is 2 June 2025, 23:00 CET (end of day). Download the application form and the guide for applicants. Fill in the application (in English) and submit (as .xlsx file) via e-mail.
Award categories
- Category 1 - Excellence and innovation in deployment of Gigabit-Ready Infrastructure.
- Category 2 - Champions in addressing digital divide in rural and remote areas.
- Category 3 - Cross-border and international connectivity.
For more information, visit the dedicated page on the DG CONNECT webpage: Apply for the European Digital Connectivity Awards 2025.