Local Alliance responds to revised EU Budget proposal with a 10-point plan to strengthen local impact
The European Commission has released a revised proposal for the next long-term EU Budget (2028–2034), following warnings from the European Parliament that the initial version lacked sufficient democratic governance and territorial relevance. The updated proposal reflects several improvements, particularly when it comes to recognising the crucial role of cities and regions in delivering the EU’s priorities.
The Local Alliance, which unites Europe’s major networks of cities and regions, including ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS, welcomes this shift and sees it as a step towards a more balanced and locally attun
ed budget. At the same time, the Alliance stresses that further work is essential to ensure that the EU Budget empowers local and regional actors to drive the green, digital and social transitions on the ground.
Several elements in the revised proposal represent clear progress for local democracy and cohesion:
- Stronger wording on the involvement of local and regional authorities throughout the entire cycle, from planning to implementation;
- A 10% rural earmarking, reinforcing the 'right to stay' for rural communities;
- A direct communication channel between regions and the European Commission
- A new ‘regional check’ of National Partnership Plans to ensure they reflect cohesion principles.
- Annual strategic debates in the European Parliament to reinforce political accountability.
These changes point toward a budget that is more transparent, more inclusive, and more sensitive to territorial needs.
Filling the gaps
However, several structural gaps remain. The Local Alliance highlights the absence of a mandatory territorial chapter, the lack of dedicated support for urban and local transitions, and uncertainty around long-term funding for nature, biodiversity, and the Mission approach. Without these elements, the EU risks weakening its capacity to deliver on climate neutrality, resilience, and equality at the local level.
In response, the Local Alliance has developed a 10-Point Action Plan setting out concrete recommendations to ensure that the next EU Budget is democratic, place-based, and fit for purpose. The plan proposes practical measures to support cities and regions—from improving multi-level governance to securing stable investment pathways for climate action, mobility, energy, and social cohesion.
By strengthening the local dimension of the budget, the EU can equip communities of all sizes (urban, peri-urban, and rural) to contribute meaningfully to Europe’s shared goals while ensuring no place is left behind.
Read the full 10-Point Action Plan here
- Related Documents
Local Alliance Position Paper—Shared governance of strategies, priorities and policies for an efficient use of EU Budget and implementation of EU priorities
Local Alliance Position Paper—Reinforcing European industry’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy through a place-based approach
Local Alliance Position Paper—Better Reforms: Reinventing public support for a grounded Europe
Local Alliance Position Paper on the Multiannual Financial Framework: A grounded EU budget
