Today, the progressive family is joining forces to send a united and strong message: the future of Europe must serve its citizens and be tailored to their needs. The MFF is not just a budget. The next long-term EU budget is not a technical exercise; it is a fundamental political choice about our joint future. This call comes from a meeting between the S&D Group in the European Parliament and the Party of European Socialists Group in the European Committee of the Regions held in Brussels.

Iratxe García, President of the S&D Group, said:

"We need more resources because we need to fund new priorities without cutting core EU programmes. Our political family is committed to enhancing our citizens’ wellbeing and prosperity. Competitiveness should be a shared priority, provided it does not leave behind the EU’s social cohesion. Every citizen, farmer, industry, and business benefits from social spending, which is key for our workers. It's about adding rather than subtracting; this is why we call for a genuine system of new EU own resources together with new joint borrowing.

"We reject any attempt to centralise power in the hands of the few. Only through solidarity, shared responsibility, and strong partnerships between EU institutions and regional and local authorities can we deliver a fair, green, and inclusive Europe. This is the moment to strengthen our social contract, not weaken it. Europe is the key to advancing."

Luca Menesini, President of the PES Group, added:

"At this critical moment, uniting our forces is not just important, it is essential. Today, we stand at the crossroads of history, fighting to preserve a European Union that is truly shaped by the people and for the people. Shaping the next long-term budget of the European Union and its governance must not pave the way for further centralisation or renationalisation of European policies, particularly those under shared management. We will not stand for future national and regional partnership plans that fail to pre-allocate funds at the regional level, ensuring every territory is treated with fairness and equity. Reforms are welcome, but the compass must remain the same: improving people's lives, wherever they live."