Wednesday 14 January 2026 @ 9:30 CET

On Wednesday, 14 January, the ECR Group will host a high-level conference examining the future of the European Union’s finances at a critical moment ahead of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034.

Bringing together policymakers and leading economic experts, the event will assess how the EU budget can be shaped to respond to emerging challenges while remaining accountable, transparent, and focused on delivering tangible value for citizens.

Discussions will address budgetary priorities, fiscal discipline, and the balance between EU ambitions and Member State responsibility. Particular attention will be paid to proposals for new EU revenue sources, exploring both their potential benefits and associated risks.

When: Wednesday, 14 January @ 9:30

Where: SPAAK 1A2

Follow the livestream here.

Draft Programme:

8.45-9:15: Registration

9:30: Welcome

• MEP Nicola PROCACCINI, ECR Group Co-Chair

• MEP Bogdan RZONCA, BUDG Member (ECR, PL)

10.00-11:00: Panel 1: Shaping the EU budget for Tomorrow: Priorities and Accountability. Multiannual Financial Framework MFF (2028-2034)

Moderator: Stephen JONES

• Mojmír HAMPL, Former Vice Governor and Board Member of the Czech National Bank (CNB), Czech Republic

• Adriaan SCHOUT, Professor at University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Daniel LACALLE, Alpha Strategy Consulting, Spain

11:15-12:30: Panel 2: New EU Revenue Sources: Opportunities and Risks

Moderator: Stephen JONES

• Jussi LINDGREN, Special Adviser for Economic Policy to the Finnish Minister of Finance, Finland

• Roel DOM, Bruegel Research Fellow, Belgium

• Tomasz Grzegorz GROSSE: Professor of sociology/political science at the University of Warsaw, Poland

• Domenico LOMBARDI, Professor of Practice in Public Policy and Director of the Policy Observatory, Luiss University, Italy

12:30: Closure/conclusions

• MEP Ruggero RAZZA, BUDG Vice Coordinator (ECR, IT)

• Mr Raffaele FITTO, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms of the European Commission (online)