PRISMA at the European Parliament: Shaping a Budget for a Global, Resilient Democracy
24-03-2026
Brussels, 24 March 2026 – The PRISMA European Network took a decisive step in its 2026–2028 mandate this week, participating in the high-level "Invest In What Matters" workshop at the European Parliament. Represented by our President, Gabriel Brezoiu, PRISMA joined over 140 civil society organisations to debate the future of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034.
With the next long-term budget projected to rise to €1.76 trillion, the event served as a critical "breakthrough moment" for European democracy. For PRISMA, the message was clear: a larger budget must be matched by a deeper commitment to the people and organisations that sustain democratic life.
Beyond Projects: A Plea for Sustainability
As a Framework Partner of the European Commission under the CERV programme (2026–2028), PRISMA is currently implementing a wide-reaching strategy for digital democracy across 11 Member States. However, the Brussels discussions highlighted a systemic challenge: the reliance on short-term, project-based funding.
PRISMA advocated for a shift in the next MFF toward operating grants. For youth and civil society organisations to remain resilient against disinformation and democratic backsliding, they require structural stability. Operating grants ensure that the expertise and networks built during our CERV mandate do not disappear when a project cycle ends, but instead become permanent pillars of European citizenship.
Reconnecting with the World: The Latin American Link
A core pillar of PRISMA’s advocacy during the workshop was the "opening up" of European youth programmes. Following our recent policy brief, we called for the urgent restart of Capacity Building in the field of youth with the Latin America region.
In an increasingly interconnected digital world, democratic resilience cannot be built in isolation. By restoring these international cooperation channels, the EU can empower a global generation of young leaders to tackle shared challenges—from digital rights to social inclusion—strengthening the Union’s role as a global democratic beacon.
The Path to 2028
Reflecting on the exchange with the MFF co-rapporteurs and the European Parliament’s leadership, Gabriel Brezoiu noted:
"The MFF is not just a financial document; it is the heartbeat of our European project. As we look toward 2028, we must move beyond seeing youth work as a series of isolated activities. We are calling for a budget that invests in the sustainability of the organisations that protect our values every day, and one that has the courage to look beyond our borders—specifically by renewing our partnership with youth in Latin America. Only then can we truly say we are investing in what matters."
The workshop outlined a clear roadmap for the coming months. With the European Council set to discuss the MFF in June 2026 and the Parliament adopting positions on sectoral spending in November 2026, PRISMA is prepared to remain at the forefront of these negotiations.
Our current work under the CERV programme serves as the blueprint for what is possible when education and democracy are properly resourced. We will continue to be the voice for a Europe that is stable at its core and ambitious in its global outreach.
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