European Parliament to Rewrite EU's Long-Term Budget Proposal Amid Criticisms

Strategic Insights -

Romanian MEP Siegfried Muresan, a key figure in the European Parliament's negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the European Commission's recent proposal for the EU's long-term budget. According to Muresan, the EP will completely rework the proposal, citing concerns over the budget's size, allocation of funds, and lack of transparency in decision-making processes. The MEP emphasized the need for European priorities, policies, and a more transparent and predictable budget allocation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament will rewrite the European Commission's proposal for the EU's long-term budget, amid criticisms over its size, allocation of funds, and decision-making processes.
  • Romanian MEP Siegfried Muresan, a key rapporteur for the MFF, has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, citing a lack of cooperation with MEPs, diminished role of the European Parliament, and unclear budget allocation.
  • The proposal for the National and Regional Partnership Plans, which would see a national envelope for each country, is a source of concern, as it would lead to funding of the common agricultural policy, cohesion, and migration without parliamentary oversight.
  • The European Parliament opposes the weakening of the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion, and demands separate and predictable budgets for these policies.
  • The MEP also criticized the size of the budget, stating that it is the same as the current budget and does not meet the EU's priorities.
  • Muresan suggested that a modest and reasonable rise in the budget could win support from member states, provided it is accompanied by good arguments and a clear European added value.
  • The European Parliament is ready to start discussions with the European Commission and the EU Council, representing the member states, to negotiate the new long-term budget.

Statistics:

  • The proposed long-term budget amounts to 2 billion euros.
  • The budget is set to run from 2028 to 2034.
  • The European Commission has proposed a significant increase in flexibility and ambition in the budget, but the European Parliament is skeptical of this approach.
  • The EU has 27 member states, and each state would have a single financial envelope under the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans.

Sources:

  • CTK correspondent, July 21
  • European Parliament (EP)
  • European People's Party (EPP)
  • European Commission