Learning from the Negotiations and Strategic Management of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): a Media Profile and Discourse Analysis on EU Governance and Inter-Institutional Relations

Learning from global strategic management rules and procedures at EU level proves to be a cornerstone of policy management analysis. Purpose and scope of study: The analysis is focused on dealing with the strategic planning and public management of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014-2020 at EU level. Research objectives: The analysis is triggered on the following directions: (1) presenting the legal preparation, procedures and negotiation of the EU MFF for 2014-2020, (2) analysing the media coverage of EU preparations for the multiannual strategic planning, (3) examining the media coverage of policy scopes and priorities regarding finances, (4) parsing media discussions on policy and programs design and management, (5) the review of media discourse on the performace of EU policy management. Research methodology: The research methodology is designed under the guidance of a content analysis based on mainstream media coverage of articles throughout 2013. The study employs the identification of relevant articles in the online editions of European media, the analysis of distribution and frequency of articles around meaningful themes, framing analysis and indication of bias in connected articles.