The EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034

The European Union is currently negotiating its next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. The outcome of these negotiations will shape European support for education, culture, research and international mobility for seven years, and will therefore have a direct impact on conservatoires, music academies and Musikhochschulen across Europe. Advocating for a strong place for Higher Music Education in the next MFF is one of AEC’s main advocacy priorities in 2026.

What is at stake

In July 2025, the European Commission proposed a new structure for the EU budget, in which many existing programmes would be merged into larger funds and Member States would gain more flexibility in deciding how funding is spent. While greater flexibility can create opportunities, it also carries a clear risk that smaller but strategically important fields, such as Higher Music Education and artistic research, become less visible and lose access to dedicated support.

  • National and Regional Partnership Plans – A large share of EU funding, around €865 billion, would be programmed through plans drawn up by each national government, where education and culture will only be included if their value is actively argued for.
  • Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund – Culture currently has a dedicated area in Horizon Europe, which received a record 1,800 proposals in its latest call, yet the new proposals provide no dedicated place for culture and artistic research.
  • AgoraEU – Creative Europe would be merged into a new programme without a dedicated strand for music.
  • Erasmus+ – The programme would grow, but not enough to remove the financial and administrative barriers faced by many students and smaller institutions.

In June 2026, the Presidents of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council signed the Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe”. The next MFF is where this shared commitment must now be translated into concrete investment. Agreement on the MFF is expected by the end of 2026.

AEC’s priorities in 2026

On behalf of more than 300 Higher Music Education institutions in Europe and beyond, representing close to 200,000 students, AEC calls on the EU institutions and national governments to support the following priorities:

  • National and Regional Partnership Plans – Ensuring that Higher Music Education is recognised within the plans, that investment in education and culture is eligible, and that the sector is involved in their preparation. [Link]
  • Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund – Naming, placing and funding culture and artistic research, in line with the #NamePlaceFund campaign. [Link]
  • AgoraEU – Maintaining visible and dedicated support for music, with a sector-specific funding line and an increased overall budget, as proposed by the European Parliament. [Link]
  • Erasmus+ – Making the programme more inclusive, accessible and effective, with higher mobility grants and stronger support for participating institutions. [Link]
  • STEM/STEAM – Recognising music and the arts as independent fields of knowledge and equal partners in interdisciplinary education, research and innovation. [Link]

AEC’s actions

AEC advocates for these priorities at both European and national level, in close cooperation with its members and partner organisations.

  • SCHEME campaign – In spring 2026, AEC, the European Association for Music in Schools (EAS) and the European Music School Union (EMU) launched a joint campaign through SCHEME, calling on national governments to support music education in the next MFF.
  • Partnerships – AEC works with Culture Action Europe, of which AEC is a member, the Erasmus+ Coalition and the #NamePlaceFund campaign to promote shared messages towards the EU institutions.
  • Erasmus+ – AEC and the European Performing Arts Student Association (EPASA) have published a joint statement on the future of the Erasmus+ programme. [Link]
  • National campaign – In autumn 2026, AEC is launching a national campaign focused on Higher Music Education, in which members address their own governments.

How AEC members can take part

As the position of the Council is determined by the governments of the EU Member States, the voice of AEC members at national level is essential. Members are invited to:

  • Send the AEC template letter to their government, adapted with examples from their own institution or country. [Link to letter]
  • Consult the info pack, which explains the campaign and how to contact the relevant ministries. [Link to info pack]
  • Address the ministries responsible for finance, higher education, research, culture and European affairs, and copy their country’s Permanent Representation to the EU.
  • Inform AEC when the letter has been sent and share any replies at [AEC email].

Further information