Delaying long-term EU investment plan would harm citizens and businesses
- Member states called on to urgently agree a negotiating position on EU long-term budget
- Parliament has been ready to negotiate since November 2018
- MEPs demand a contingency plan to mitigate consequences for citizens and businesses, as delays will cause funding disruption from 2021
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs warn of a “clear risk” that the 2021-2027 EU investment plan will not be successfully agreed in time with Council.
In the text, adopted by 426 votes against 163, and 67 abstentions, MEPs
- confirm the position of the previous Parliament on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), as adopted in November 2018;
- adjust Parliament’s position to step up climate protection, stressing the “urgent need for another quantum leap in political and financial efforts” to achieve the Paris agreements’ objectives;
- ask the Commission to clarify how political promises made in July by Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will financially impact the EU’s next long-term budget;
- urge the Commission to table a contingency plan, as they see a “clear risk” that the complex negotiations to be held between Parliament and Council will not be finalised successfully by the end of 2020. Delays could result in funding for the EU programmes in 2021 being disrupted, negatively impacting citizens and business.
Council still has not taken a political decision on the matter.
Background
The Commission tabled the legislative proposals for the next MFF in spring 2018. Parliament adopted its position in November 2018 and has thus been ready to negotiate with the Council for almost a year.
The MFF (multiannual financial framework) is the EU’s long-term budget, usually covering a seven-year-period. The current MFF, covering the period 2014-2020, was adopted on 2 December 2013.
About 93% of the EU budget funds real activities on the ground in EU countries and beyond. It goes to citizens, regions, cities, farmers, researchers, students, NGOs and businesses.
