Local and regional governments at the heart of “Global Europe 2028–2034”: our Policy position
As the European Union prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, the Global Europe instrument will define the EU’s external action for the years ahead — encompassing development cooperation, humanitarian aid, enlargement support and Global Gateway. Discover PLATFORMA detailed policy position outlining how this strategic instrument should be shaped to foster sustainable global partnerships and advance inclusive governance.
At a time marked by intersecting global crises — from climate breakdown and shrinking development funds to geopolitical instability — the role of local and regional governments (LRGs) is more critical than ever. PLATFORMA’s paper is thus anchored in the belief that effective global action starts from the ground up.
Local and regional governments as co-decision-makers, implementers and partners
PLATFORMA’s position starts from a stark reality: despite their proximity to citizens and deep knowledge of local contexts, LRGs remain under-recognised in EU external action frameworks. The coalition calls for the Global Europe instrument to move beyond symbolic references to “local authorities” and embed mechanisms that genuinely empower LRGs as co-decision-makers, implementers and partners in EU external policies.
Key recommendations
The Policy Paper makes 9 key recommendations to EU decision makers:
- To strengthen multilevel governance in Global Europe and place local and regional governments in the driving seat of territorial development
- To pair flexibility and simplification with ambitious official development assistance targets, and enhance accountability and transparency mechanisms
- To unlock Global Gateway’s potential through involvement of local and regional governments
- To foster EU delegations’ engagement with local and regional governments
- To recognise and empower local and regional governments as unique and effective development partners in fragile contexts
- To advance the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve decarbonised societies and climate justice
- To involve citizens through Global Citizenship Education as a key component of decentralised development cooperation
- To foster inclusive and participatory local governance: empower youth, women, and disadvantaged and underrepresented groups
- To strengthen local governance through the EU Eastern neighbourhood and enlargement strategy
Through these recommendations, PLATFORMA aims to improve the current proposal for the Global Europe instrument, so that it fully recognises, acknowledges, and supports the contribution of local and regional governments to EU external action, notably through decentralised cooperation as development aid modality.
PLATFORMA also calls on the European Commission to issue an updated Communication on the structured involvement of local and regional governments and their associations in the new (geo)strategic approach to EU external action.