The regulation aims to establish the legal framework for the EU's foreign policy financial instrument under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). Approval by the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Development (DEVE) is still pending. Similarly, an agreement at the Council level has yet to be reached. Only once both co-legislators have determined their positions can the trilogues commence. It is expected that negotiations on the EU budget will continue into the next year and that cuts by Member States are anticipated.

The compromise signals a strategic shift in the EU's foreign and development policies: international partnerships are to align more closely with shared interests, thereby advancing the EU's economic and geopolitical objectives. At the same time, safeguard clauses for sustainable development have been retained. Additionally, a minimum budget of 25 billion euros for humanitarian aid is earmarked.

For businesses, the stronger linkage of foreign policy, development cooperation, and strategic partnerships is particularly relevant. This aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to promote investments, infrastructure projects, and economic cooperation in partner countries.

In parallel, Parliament adopted a resolution to strengthen trade and investment relations with Africa. In light of the increasing geopolitical competition with China, Russia, the USA, and other actors, the greater economic integration of Africa has been highlighted as a strategic priority for the EU.