The AK regards it as the central task of the European Union to improve the economic and social conditions for its citizens and to prepare itself for future challenges. The will to do so has been documented in many agreements and plans of the Union. The Multiannual Financial Framework, which will be valid from 2014-2020, thereby has the task of providing the financial support for these plans. It is now time to turn words into action. However, the Commission proposal is inadequate in many respects.<br />