The EU needs a budgetary framework that sets clear priorities. The European Commission has provided the right impetus: investments in competitiveness, resilience, and defense capabilities. Now it is up to the heads of state and government to adopt the adjusted focus and structure for the next seven-year budget starting in 2028.

A key signal is the planned European Competitiveness Fund. This fund aims to consolidate many existing funding programs and will account for more than ten percent of the total budget. For it to unlock growth, it must be designed practically. It requires technology-neutral, flexible programs instead of one-sided, rigid specifications, transparent and performance-oriented criteria, reliable funding conditions that are well predictable for companies, and simple application procedures. Only then can companies drive innovations and secure Europe's future.