How can the European Union reconcile its new ambitions with its existing commitments?
This question served as the starting point for the second strategic seminar, entitled “The Multiannual Financial Framework: Time for a Hard Landing?”, organised by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – ITECH Institute of Innovation and Technology on 9 November 2026 at the Staszic Palace in Warsaw.
The seminar brought together representatives of central government administration, including directors and senior officials from ministerial departments, as well as distinguished experts from research institutions, think tanks and academia.
The seminar was opened by Michał Matlak, PhD, Director of Łukasiewicz – ITECH. The discussion was introduced by Marek Wąsiński, Head of the Global Economy Team at the Polish Economic Institute, with a presentation entitled “Old Funds, New Priorities: The European Commission’s Increasing Centralised Control over Funding for Innovation and Industry.”
The discussion focused on the strategic priorities of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, including how to reconcile the Union’s new ambitions with its existing commitments, as well as Poland’s key interests in negotiations over the next EU budget. Participants examined the difficult trade-offs associated with potential reductions in funding for traditional EU policies and Poland’s negotiating “red lines”. The discussion also addressed ongoing debates over the final size of the EU budget for the next financial period, the allocation of funds across different priorities and the complex challenges involved in implementation. Another key topic was the prospect of introducing new EU own resources, including those considered most likely to be adopted, as well as the political climate surrounding greater EU financial autonomy. Participants also examined the nature of common European debt and the implications of beginning its repayment for future EU budgets.
The Łukasiewicz – ITECH strategic seminars are a series of meetings bringing together policymakers, experts and representatives from various sectors. Their aim is to provide a forum for in-depth discussions on the key challenges facing Poland, the exchange of perspectives and the identification of barriers to the effective design and implementation of strategic solutions.
Our goal is to foster a space for dialogue where diverse perspectives come together around a shared objective: strengthening Poland’s position within the European Union and enhancing the long-term development potential and competitiveness of the Polish economy.
