Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and budgetary constraints, EU leaders will have addressed the challenges facing European competitiveness, including deepening the Single Market, strengthening investment capacity and reducing strategic dependencies. As negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 get underway, how can the EU reconcile its traditional priorities with its emerging needs in defence, the energy transition and technological sovereignty? What trade-offs will France seek to defend, and how can Member States reach an agreement on the priorities and resources of the future EU budget?

These issues are central to the Jacques Delors Institute’s work, notably through Enrico Letta’s report Much More Than a Market, published in April 2024, and the One Europe, One Market initiative, which seeks to mobilise European stakeholders around a common reform agenda. Strengthening Europe’s investment capacity, deepening economic integration, developing the Energy Union, and enhancing connectivity and solidarity among Member States are all key levers for reinforcing the EU’s competitiveness and capacity to act.

This discussion with Minister Benjamin Haddad will provide an opportunity to revisit the European Council’s conclusions, gain insight into France’s position and explore the prospects for a more competitive, resilient and cohesive Europe.