European Commission Announces Sectoral Programs for Next Multiannual Financial Framework

The European Commission announced on September 3 the details of sectoral programs for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) from 2028 to 2034. Following the major components like the European Competitiveness Fund announced in July, this completes all next MFF proposals, enabling full-scale discussions to begin. Four sectoral programs were announced: ①Single Market and Customs: Consolidating five existing programs to eliminate barriers between EU member states and strengthen inter-authority cooperation, with budget doubling from current levels to 6.2 billion euros. ②Judicial Cooperation: Approximately 800 million euros for civil and criminal judicial cooperation and judicial sector human resource development. ③Support for Member States' Overseas Territories: 1 billion euro-scale support for 13 overseas territories including Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland. ④Fifth Pericles Program: Combating euro counterfeiting and related fraud. Additionally announced a 9.8 billion euro nuclear sector program covering nuclear safety, radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and human resource development, plus support for nuclear fusion and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development. Over half the budget is allocated to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) under construction in France, with continued support for Lithuania's nuclear plant decommissioning. The European Commission is shifting toward a pragmatic approach, modifying renewable energy preferential policies to emphasize decarbonization clean energy including nuclear power to strengthen regional industrial competitiveness.