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Ingrid Meijer

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New MFF confirms opportunities for innovative regions On July 16, the European Commission presented its proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. This long-term budget – worth nearly €2,000 billion – aims to prepare Europe for the challenges of the coming years. From strategic autonomy and greening to digitalisation and security. For East Netherlands, a recognised Regional Innovation Valley, this proposal opens the door to strengthened investments in innovation, cross-border cooperation, and regional impact.European priorities: innovation, competitiveness, and regions The proposal reflects the recommendations of Draghi, Letta, and Heitor: Europe must innovate, accelerate, and regionalise. The new MFF proposes, among other things: • More flexibility within EU budgets, allowing Europe to respond more quickly to crises; • A single coherent strategy with national and regional partnership plans; • One strategic framework: the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) (€409 billion), with a focus on clean tech, digitalisation, bioeconomy, and defence/space; • The ECF merges 14 separate programmes (such as I3, Interreg Europe, Digital Europe, InvestEU); • Integration of Horizon Europe within the ECF fund, while maintaining its own legal framework.What does this mean for East Netherlands? Think East Netherlands sees this direction as a confirmation of its own strategic course. For years, the region has been a frontrunner in applied innovation, public-private collaboration, and active interregional networks such as EURADA, Vanguard, and ERRIN.With the new MFF, these efforts are reinforced: • Horizon Europe (2028–2034) remains intact and offers room for strategic (moonshot) projects on themes such as quantum technology, regenerative therapies, and fusion energy – topics in which East Netherlands is already active; • The emphasis on valorisation and SME involvement aligns seamlessly with the innovative profile of East Netherlands, where applied knowledge and entrepreneurship converge; • The new European Competitiveness Fund opens up financing for the entire innovation chain through a single entry point – from fundamental research to market application and scaling. How this programme will be shaped and what opportunities lie ahead for East Netherlands will become clearer in the coming period; • Cohesion policy (such as ERDF) is integrated with agricultural policy in one strategic framework, implemented through National and Regional Partnership Plans. East Netherlands advocates for the use of these resources to truly stimulate innovation, entrepreneurship, and SME strengthening; • Simplified procedures, lump sums, and a single funding rate make EU programmes more accessible to innovative SMEs. This offers opportunities for broader participation from our region – provided there is sufficient support to realise good initiatives; • Defence innovation and dual-use applications are given a new permanent place within Horizon Europe and the Competitiveness Fund. East Netherlands can contribute with strong expertise in high-tech systems, medtech, and secure communication.Think East Netherlands as a bridge between EU policy and regional innovation With these developments, the role of driving innovation opportunities for East Netherlands becomes even more important. As a bridge-builder between European programmes and regional innovative entrepreneurs and knowledge partners, Think East Netherlands remains a leader in translating EU frameworks into practical impact for East Netherlands. Based on the existing network and the Innovation Agenda East Netherlands, Think East Netherlands continues to focus on: • Strengthening interregional value chains (e.g., digital industries, food, health, energy, circularity, defence); • Access to European funds for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs via simplified procedures and support; • Lobbying for a 3% action plan at the national level to structurally increase R&amp;D intensity in East Netherlands.Next steps Negotiations on the new MFF have now truly begun. All member states must agree unanimously. Intensive discussions will take place in Brussels in the coming months. Think East Netherlands is closely following these developments and will provide targeted input on the shaping of new EU programmes through the involved networks. Together, we ensure that the voice of East Netherlands resonates strongly in the new Europe. In this way, we actively contribute to a Europe in which regional innovation makes the difference.Want to know more or get involved? Stay up to date on developments around the MFF and Horizon Europe through our channels. Or contact Ingrid Meijer (Oost NL, <a class="cursor-pointer" data-start="4841" data-end="4864" rel="noopener">ingrid.meijer@oostnl.nl</a>) for further information, explanation, or collaboration.