This episode explores how the EU’s next long-term budget (the Multiannual Financial Framework – MFF) and the new National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) are being designed, and what these processes mean for democracy, public participation and the green transition.  

The discussion between the moderator and guests examines who has influence over key spending and reform priorities at both EU and national levels, whether local authorities, social partners and civil society are genuinely involved in shaping the plans, and how the new framework can better align EU funding with climate, social and economic objectives.  

Through perspectives from Poland and the wider EU policy debate, we looked closely at the opportunities and risks of the NRPP process, highlighting the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement and effective coordination between reforms, investments and public funding.