PROGRESSIVE MIGRATION GROUP POSITION PAPER ON THE MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK(2028-2034) May 2026 The Progressive Migration Group(PMG) – a network of African and European experts established by FEPS and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung – examines the complex relations between the European Union and African countries of origin and transit. Its goal is to propose innovative policy recommendations for progressive forces at both the EU and national levels. According to the PMG, current EU policy and Euro-African relations are overly focused on reducing irregular migration. While curbing irregular flows and protecting migrants from associated risks are undoubtedly legitimate, urgent goals, a singular focus on deterrence is neither effective nor sustainable. Since 2023, the PMG has consistently promoted rights-based approaches to human mobility, with a specific focus on labor migration. The group advocates for expanding legal pathways through agreements that are not contingent on border control and return cooperation, but are instead grounded in development and anchored in human rights. In this position paper, the PMG highlights how the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework(MFF 2028-2034) impacts migration cooperation and offers recom­mendations to ensure the next EU budget reflects the priorities of African partners. NEGOTIATING THE EU’S NEXT BUDGET(MFF 2028-2034) AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES by Amanda Bisong Policy Leader Fellow, School of Transnational Government, European University Institute CONTEXT The next Multiannual Financial Framework(MFF) of the European Union(EU) will define the EU’s external action, development cooperation and migration spending for seven years(from 2028 to 2034). The European Commission has proposed a new Global Europe Instrument with a budget of€200.3 billion for 2028-34, representing a sub­stantial headline increase from the€110 billion allocated to external action in the current MFF. 1 The proposed new Global Europe architecture signals a shift from the current architecture’s primary focus on development coopera­tion, as external financing is increasingly framed as a tool of geopolitics, security and economic strategy. This shift also includes a stronger emphasis on migration management, strategic autonomy and competitiveness, alongside continued – but rebalanced – engagement with partner regions. should be noted that this increase partly reflects the consolidation of previously separate instruments, including humanitarian aid and support for Ukraine, into the new Global Europe architecture. This makes direct comparisons with the previous MFF figures less straightforward. These modalities are due to be presented at the end of May and had not been published at the time of writing.