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The European Conservatives and Reformists Group says it has reservations about several key elements of the European Commission’s proposal for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
While acknowledging the need for a more responsive and strategic EU budget, the group is cautioning against a shift that could increase uncertainty and weaken institutional checks and balances.
The EU itself says the MFF is ambitious and dynamic.
A commission spokesman said, “This framework will equip Europe with a long-term investment budget matching its ambitions to be an independent, prosperous, secure, and thriving society and economy over the coming decade.”
“At the same time, the Commission is launching a structured reflection process for the review of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture. The review complements the preparatory work on the next MFF. Its aim is to ensure a strengthened and more efficient protection of the Union’s financial interests.”
EC President Ursula von der Leyen added, “Our new long-term budget will help protect European citizens, strengthen Europe’s social model and make our European industry thrive. In a time of geopolitical instability, the budget will allow Europe to shape its own destiny, in line with its vision and ideals. A budget that supports peace and prosperity and promotes our values is the best tool we can have during these uncertain times.”
But Bogdan Rzońca MEP, the ECR Coordinator in the Budget Committee, voied some reservations and said, “The Commission has chosen a new direction for the EU budget, moving away from the established structure of clearly defined policy envelopes.”
“While greater flexibility can help address crises, concentrating spending into a few large instruments negotiated at a central level raises questions about transparency, ownership and long-term stability”.
Rzońca added:”We support a treaty-based and results-oriented budget that strengthens Europe’s internal market, competitiveness and cohesion, while fully respecting subsidiarity and legal clarity.”
Further comment comes from another MEP Roberts Zīle who emphasised the importance of striking the right balance between innovation and responsibility.
“The Cash-for-Reform model may serve as a short-term solution in exceptional situations, but it should not form the basis of the EU’s long-term financial architecture — especially if the reform targets primarily reflect the Commission’s geopolitical priorities rather than the strategic choices of Member States.”
Both ECR MEPs also expressed concern about the Commission’s proposed package of five new own resources, including levies on businesses, waste, parcels, and consumer goods.
Rzońca stated:”New own resources will place additional pressure on consumers and businesses and could encroach on national fiscal autonomy. These ideas are far from satisfactory, which is why we won’t support them.”
Zīle welcomed the continued support for Ukraine included in the MFF proposal, but expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity regarding defence.
“It is encouraging to see support for Ukraine included. However, when it comes to defence — the EU’s most pressing strategic challenge — we are still missing any meaningful detail. This should be addressed without delay.”
Regarding the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans, both MEPs emphasised the importance of maintaining the full effectiveness and unique value of cohesion and agricultural policy.
Rzońca said: “In the light of current challenges, rising input costs and increasing global competition, cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy must remain key tools. We must continue to support citizens, regions and rural communities across the Union.”
Zīle added: “If cohesion and agricultural spending are brought under a shared framework, it is essential that their specific goals remain clearly defined and that the integrity of the internal market is safeguarded. Implementation must be fair and balanced across Member States.”
Both MEPs emphasised that the European Parliament must retain its full role in shaping the EU’s long-term budget. While Zīle acknowledged that some of the Parliament’s past positions, particularly regarding the Green Deal, merit reflection, its role as a co-legislator is essential.
“The European Parliament does not always act rationally when forming budgets, particularly given its left-populist stance on the Green Deal, which now requires correction. However, the Parliament’s influence in the MFF context must not be diminished.”
Finally, Rzońca criticised the Commission for presenting the proposal without making any texts available to MEPs at the time of its launch.
“Today, we witnessed a textbook example of how not to cooperate with Parliament. As Budget Committee Chair Johan Van Overtveldt rightly pointed out, unveiling a fundamental reform of the EU’s finances without providing MEPs with the proposals themselves is unacceptable. This is not how democratic accountability works.”
