In a resolution of 18 June 2025 on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the European Parliament (EP) pointed out benefits and shortcomings of this EU financing instrument designed to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution deals with the key role of the RRF in strengthening the Europe's economic and social resilience, the design and implementation of the national Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs), the extension of projects, transparency and lessons for the future.

MEPs stress that the RRF prevented the fragmentation of the EU internal market and promoted recovery. However, RRF funding must respect the principle of additionality and not replace cohesion policy funding. The resolution calls for targeted investment in EU defence, education and skills, and more cross-border and multi-country measures, including high-speed railway.

MEPs see risks due to the expiry of the RRF in 2026 (→ news item " Commission: End of the Recovery and Resilience Facility is Approaching): the short timeframe for the remaining RRF implementation poses challenges to deliver the key reforms and large-scale investments that need to be finalised towards the end of the RRF and to achieve the remaining 70% of milestones and targets on time. The Commission is urged to set up new programmes, which should be flexible and reactive to changing circumstances and guarantee predictability. MEPs also demand an 18-month extension for ongoing mature projects.

The total costs for capital interest repayments are another concern in the resolution. MEPs reiterate the need for a strong auditing and monitoring mechanism for RRF expenditure to prevent misuse, double funding, and duplication with other EU programmes.

Last but not least, MEPs call to mind the need to improve the transparency and traceability of the use of EU funds. It is also essential to adopt differentiated strategies that recognise the cultural diversity of different regions and strengthen their economic and social cohesion. The Commission is also called to find solutions for public and private investment in order to close the finding gap which will arise in 2026 when the RRF ceases.