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The Russian War and growing migration issues have forced MEPs to bolster the relevant budgetary areas by €2 billion.
On Wednesday, the Budgets Committee of the EU parliament set out its position on the reform of the EU’s long-term budget, emphasizing the urgency to “future-proof the EU budget.”
Members endorsed an extra €10 billion for the years 2024-2027.
They have allocated an additional €3 billion towards the new STEP Platform and earmarked €5 billion to enhance the EU’s ability to respond to unforeseen crises.
As for the debt payments resulting from the Recovery Plan MEPs demand that they be positioned above the EU’s budgetary caps. This is to ensure that EU programmes benefiting citizens are not compromised, especially given the potential volatility of these costs with rising interest rates.
MEPs stressed that a swift adoption of the amended regulation is key, as the revised MFF should be operational by 1 January 2024 to offer a framework for that year’s annual budget.
The draft was approved by 23 votes against 3 and 3 abstentions.
Co-rapporteur Jan Olbrycht (EPP, PL) said: “Parliament’s report, both ambitious and realistic, advocates for increased support in the budget areas that need it most: flexibility, migration, and competitiveness. We applaud the structural and longer-term solution of giving Ukraine support but stress the importance of Parliament maintaining its authority on how this support is allocated. The STEP initiative is a step in the right direction and could serve as a pilot project for the next MFF’s enhanced support for competitiveness and sovereignty.
“The Commission’s stance on handling the recovery plan debt is disappointing. All debt costs should be placed over and above the EU budget’s ceilings. Our proposal aims to adapt the EU budget to contemporary challenges and equip it with the tools for swift crisis response. We remain firm on implementing the revised MFF by 1 January 2024.”
Co-rapporteur Margarida Marques (S&D, PT) said: “The Parliament guarantees EU support for Ukraine and seeks to mitigate the social and economic impact of the war within the EU.”
“Moreover, we aim to secure the necessary financial resources to bolster the EU’s strategic autonomy, implement the Migration Pact, and address the complex geopolitical landscape in a world where we must all be part of the green and digital transitions. Additionally, we ensure the budget possesses the adequate flexibility to address emerging needs, respond to humanitarian crises, and assist Member States and citizens grappling with the increasing effects of natural disasters. We urge the Council to expedite its decision-making and join the negotiating table.”
The text will be voted on by the full house on 4 October in Strasbourg. Parliament’s negotiators will then be ready to engage in discussions with the Council (member states), which is yet to finalise its stance on the package.
