The new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between President, Nikos Christodoulides and President of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), Tony Murphy, and Member of the European Court of Auditors, Lefteris Christoforou.

President Christodoulides stressed the importance of the proposed budget of the European Union for 2028-2034, adding that "we're discussing the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is a huge challenge." He went on to say that the discussion for MFF is always difficult, expressing certainty that "we're going to find the consensus."

He also pointed out that "we need to finish by the end of the year," noting that this approach was also expressed by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. 

"The new MFF needs to meet the current challenges of the European Union," President Christodoulides said that Cyprus, since its accession to the EU, has received more than 4 billion euros for projects that all citizens of Cyprus are enjoying. 

Referring to the Common Agricultural Policy, he noted that "we need to find the balance," adding that "as a Presidency, in March, we're going to have a horizontal discussion at the level of the European Council." 

Speaking to journalists after his meeting with President Christodoulides, Murphy spoke of "a very productive meeting" where many issues relating to the Cyprus's membership of the EU were discussed. Noting that Cyprus is above average in terms of the absorption of the RRF money, as it has absorbed 46% of the €1 billion, he pointed out that the rest has to be used by August of this year. "There's still work to be done, but I'm sure that it will be delivered on," he went on to say. 

"We are looking forward to the work that will be done during the Cypriot Presidency and that the files will be handed over in a very advanced state to finalise," Murphy said. 

Referring to the next EU budget for the period 2028 to 2034, which stands at 2 trillion euro, he expressed hope that "the negotiations and agreement between the member states can advance during the Cypriot Presidency in the next six months."

CNA/PH/EPH/2026

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY