MEPs in the budgets’ committee (BUDG) have rejected the European Commission’s proposal for a single cash pot per member state in the next long-term EU budget (2028-34) and have instead called for a more ambitious budget that prioritizes climate action, the digital transition, and employment. The MEPs adopted their vision for a simpler, more flexible, and people-focused budget by a vote of 23 in favor, nine against, and two abstentions. They emphasized the need for strong investments to boost strategic autonomy, economic resilience, and green goals while ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Commission’s official proposal for the next MFF is not expected until summer 2025, but MEPs are already expressing concerns that the future spending ceiling may not be sufficient to address the growing list of crises facing the EU, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the US retreating from its global role. Leading MEP Siegfried Muresan stressed the report’s call for an increase in the next MFF to equip Europe with the necessary instruments to face current challenges. The current MFF totals €1.2 trillion, or 1% of the bloc’s GDP, with most funding allocated to agricultural subsidies and reducing the socio-economic gap between regions.
The Commission has indicated that difficult decisions will be necessary in the next budget to balance traditional priorities with newer and more urgent ones, such as security and defense. The EU executive is considering a redesign of the 2028-34 MFF, proposing a national plan for each member state that links investments to reforms, similar to the structure of the post-pandemic recovery funds. However, Parliament opposes this approach and calls for a structure that ensures parliamentary oversight and involves regional and local actors in decision-making. Additionally, MEPs are advocating for additional EU-wide taxes or own resources to finance the budget, as the EU must determine how to repay debt from post-pandemic funds.
MEPs in BUDG are pushing for more joint borrowing as a viable option to address large-scale EU-wide crises and ensure the sustainability of EU programs. The Parliament’s position will need to be endorsed by the full plenary during the next session in Strasbourg, scheduled for 5-8 May. The report emphasizes the importance of increased investments in strategic areas to boost the EU’s resilience and green goals, while also acknowledging the need to address ongoing geopolitical challenges effectively. The rejection of the ‘One National Plan per Member State’ model proposed by the European Commission reflects the Parliament’s commitment to parliamentary oversight and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Overall, MEPs are advocating for a more ambitious and people-focused budget for the next long-term EU budget, prioritizing climate action, the digital transition, and employment. They are calling for increased investments to boost strategic autonomy and economic resilience while ensuring no one is left behind. The rejection of the Commission’s proposal for one cash pot per member state highlights the Parliament’s desire for a more flexible and ambitious budget that can effectively address the growing list of crises facing the EU. The importance of additional EU-wide taxes or own resources to finance the budget and potential joint borrowing to address large-scale crises is also emphasized in the report.
