Milan, 26 June 2026 - The future of European policies for economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and territorial cohesion was the focus of the meeting "Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034: priorities for Italian industry between growth, cohesion, and competitiveness", promoted by Confindustria and Confindustria Lombardia.

The initiative brought together representatives from the Confindustria system of the 4 regions of the North-West electoral constituency, members of the European Parliament, and institutional representatives from the region to examine the prospects for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Union's main economic programming instrument, which will define community priorities and resources for the 2028–2034 period.

During the meeting, it was highlighted how the definition of the new European budget represents a crucial step for the Italian production system: European choices will have a direct impact on the ability of companies to invest, innovate, and compete in global markets.

Particular attention was paid to the evolution of cohesion policy and new European instruments to support industrial competitiveness. The in-depth sessions fostered dialogue between the business world and policymakers during a critical phase of the negotiations.

"Cohesion policy is an essential component of the competitiveness of European production systems and territories. For this reason – said Annalisa Sassi, Vice President of Confindustria and President of the Council of Regional Representatives -, we believe it is crucial to preserve adequate, certain, and predictable resources, avoiding conflict between territories and production sectors. Europe must continue to invest in growth, innovation, and cohesion, fully involving the business system in defining development strategies."

For Francesco De Santis, Confindustria Vice President for Research and Development: "in an increasingly complex and competitive global and geopolitical context, Europe cannot afford to lose further ground. For this reason, we believe that the next MFF must mark a turning point compared to the past. The framework proposed by the Commission - with the choice to place R&I at the centre of the EU's growth strategy, strengthening the link between R&I and competitiveness - responds to these needs and has strategic significance for the future of the EU. This is a fundamental logical leap: continuing to focus on R&D, as the EU has done in recent years, but with a focus on results and impact in terms of the application of findings."

"One of the central moments of the initiative was the round table – stated Giuseppe Pasini, President of Confindustria Lombardia - which involved the presidents of the Confindustria branches of the North-West constituency – Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, and Aosta Valley – who brought the perspective of the territories and the companies represented. The discussion highlighted common needs and shared priorities from an area that represents an essential component of the Italian manufacturing system and concentrates a significant share of the country's production capacity, exports, and innovation. Lombardy, for its part, cannot step back: reducing and centralising cohesion funds would mean abruptly interrupting projects and virtuous paths started jointly by regional institutions and businesses, interpreting current programming to implement an industrial policy tailored to our development model."

The meeting was part of the broader discussion process promoted by the Confindustria system to contribute to the definition of future European policies, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of Italian industry and ensuring that the next MFF is able to respond effectively to the development needs of businesses and territories.