Commission proposes significant increase in EU funding for home affairs 

On 16 July, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The proposal would significantly increase EU funding for home affairs. The Government informed Parliament of the proposal by submitting a Union communication on 20 November.

In the Commission's proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, migration and border control would receive a total of EUR 53 billion. Of this, EUR 31 billion would be allocated to Member States' national partnership plans and EUR 22 billion to an EU instrument for unforeseen expenditure, to be used at the Commission’s discretion.

The MFF is the EU's long-term budget plan. It sets maximum expenditure ceilings for each policy area, usually for a period of seven years, and serves as the framework for all EU funds and programmes.

It is estimated that Finland would receive EUR 1.4 billion (4.7 per cent) of the total funding allocated to home affairs. This would be a significant increase compared to the current MFF period, when Finland has received approximately EUR 400 million in funding.

Protecting the EU's external borders increases security across the Schengen area

The geopolitical environment remains tense at the EU’s external borders with Russia and Belarus, with security challenges continuing to persist and evolve. The next MFF must take into account the role of countries on the EU’s external eastern border in providing security for the entire EU and Schengen area. Finland has the longest common land border with Russia of all EU countries, stretching 1,340 kilometres.

The funding objectives include protecting external borders, combating illegal entry, responding to broad-spectrum influence efforts, and preventing irregular secondary movements without compromising free movement in the Schengen area. Compared to the previous MFF, the Commission proposal also highlights new themes important to Finland, such as instrumentalisation of migration and the prevention of maritime threats.

With regard to migration, the funding objectives include improving the efficiency of returns and readmission. The Government stresses the need for sufficient flexibility in using the funding to develop and support various measures that promote return. Funding should also be available for actions in third countries that improve the efficiency of returns and the fight against illegal entry.

For internal security, funding could also be used to strengthen resilience against hybrid threats and to manage security-related incidents. The aim is also to improve information exchange and operational cooperation both between the competent authorities of the Member States and with Union agencies.

Inquiries:
Artsi Alanne, Head of EU Home Affairs Funds Area of Responsibility, tel. +358 295 488 271, [email protected] 
Sanna Virtanen, Chief Specialist, tel.  +358 295 488 300, [email protected]