The EU’s external action budget bears a disproportionate burden of the reductions in the Irish negotiating box: a 17% cut, more than twice the 8% reduction proposed for the overall MFF.

Global Citizen has commissioned a group of renowned economists and researchers to gather their Ideas on new ways to finance the EU budget and help create a route through the negotiations deadlock among Member States. The authors estimate their proposals could raise around €100 billion per year.

The attached letter is signed by 40 CSOs and outlines three key reasons why Member States must maintain an overall ambitious MFF and a Global Europe at a minimum of 10.8% of the total MFF envelope.

Ahead of the European Council on 18–19 June, 30 former leaders, Commissioners and Ministers are highlighting the importance of a strong Global Europe budget in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034)

Joint letter from 17 civil society organizations to EU Development Ministers ahead of the May 2026 Foreign Affairs Council (Development), urging them to defend an ambitious Global Europe Instrument with strong safeguards for human development, Africa, and climate.

Joint letter from 13 organisations to EU leaders calling for a well-resourced Global Europe Instrument and the adoption of new Own Resources

Joint letter from 13 organisations to EU Ministers of Economy and Finance calling for swift agreement on new and fair EU own resources to prevent a shrinking EU budget and ensure a credible response to today’s global and internal challenges.

39 organisations publish a joint position paper analysing the Commission’s proposal for the Global Europe Instrument (GEI). It outlines how the EU can safeguard long-term prosperity and stability through effective external action. It sets out key recommendations to sustain the GEI’s ambition, strengthen its impact, and ensure accountability.

Joint letter from 18 civil society organisations regarding innovative ways to raise EU own resources

On February 11, the European Commission published The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Communication outlines the direction of travel ahead of the proposal that the Commission plans to publish in July 2025, and makes a case for a much-needed stronger EU budget.

The scale of challenges Europe faces—many of them global—demands a budget that is future-proof and substantially larger.

This paper sets out a series of recommendations to maximize the efficiency and impact of the EU’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) investments so that they can advance sustainable development, global climate action, human rights, and strengthen global security and stability. By adopting ambitious targets the EU can guarantee that every Euro spent delivers tangible results.

48 civil society organisations send an open letter calling the President to reject the potential merger of external financing instruments

While we acknowledge the need for the EU to adapt to global and domestic challenges, we believe such an overhaul risks undermining the EU's ability to achieve its objectives and honor its commitments. Flexibility is essential for responding to unforeseen challenges, but it must be balanced with predictable funding to ensure the EU can meet its long-term goals and maintain accountability for its expenditures.

46 organisations published a joint position paper urging the EU to scale up its external funding for development and climate action and invest at least €200 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the next MFF