People and Regions for a transition-ready EU budget

Thursday 7 May 2026, 17.00–19.00, followed by a drinks reception

The OSE invites you to this in-person Afterwork Discussion on how to ensure the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) effectively supports a fair transition towards a climate-neutral and competitive economy that benefits EU citizens and regions. Drawing on analyses of the role played by the 2021-2027 MFF, our speakers and the audience will discuss ideas and concrete recommendations for strengthening the socio-ecological aspects of the next MFF.

Programme

Welcome and opening remarks, Slavina Spasova, Director, OSE

EU funds for the socio-ecological transition. Lessons for the next MFF
Paolo Graziano, Professor of Political Science at the University of Padua

A transition-ready EU budget: state of play and views from civil society
Andrea Casamenti, Just Transition Coordinator at SOLIDAR

Panel Discussion with 
– Estelle Ceulemans – Member of the European Parliament, S&D
– Matthew Bach – Regional Executive Director, ICLEI
– Ruth Owen – Deputy Director, FEANTSA
– A member of the Committee of the Regions (tbc)
Moderator: Andrea Casamenti, SOLIDAR

Scientific feedback: Sebastiano Sabato, Senior researcher, OSE

Q&A with the audience 
Moderator: Antoine Athanassiadis, Researcher, OSE

Concluding remarks
Paolo Graziano, University of Padua and Andrea Casamenti, SOLIDAR

19.00-20.00: Drinks reception

To ensure the quality and informal atmosphere of the presentations and discussions, OSE afterwork sessions are held in person only.

Reading: Report “EU funds for the socio-ecological transition: lessons from the MFF 2021–2027”