MEPs have called for an extension of EU recovery funding beyond 2026 to ensure the completion of key investments and large-scale projects. This comes after a plenary resolution was adopted with 421 votes in favor, 180 against, and 55 abstentions. The resolution emphasizes the stabilizing effect of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) amid economic uncertainty in Europe.
The RRF has played a crucial role in preventing fragmentation within the EU internal market and promoting recovery. MEPs stress that RRF funding should adhere to the principle of additionality and not replace cohesion policy funding. They advocate for targeted investment in areas such as EU defense, education, skills, and cross-border measures like high-speed railways. Additionally, there is a push for accelerated investment in social protection and integration of vulnerable groups. Member states are encouraged to modify their national investment plans using REPowerEU to enhance EU energy autonomy.
Concerns have been raised about the short timeframe for implementing remaining RRF funds, which could hinder key reforms and projects from reaching completion. MEPs urge the Commission to establish new programs that are flexible and responsive to changing circumstances while ensuring predictability. An 18-month extension is requested for ongoing mature projects.
While acknowledging the potential long-term benefits of the RRF on GDP, MEPs express concern over Next Generation EU capital interest repayments. They call for robust auditing mechanisms to prevent misuse or duplication of funds with other EU programs. There is also a demand for clearer links between milestones, targets, and project implementation.
The Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard is valued by MEPs for providing citizens with information on national plan progress but they insist it should include details about involved companies and their owners. Simplifying application processes is urged to assist smaller applicants and maximize funding impact while enhancing local authority roles in national recovery plan implementation.
Victor Negrescu, co-rapporteur from the Committee on Budgets, emphasized: “We must ensure that every single euro is spent correctly, transparently and has a positive impact on our citizens and businesses.” He advocated for an 18-month extension for mature projects and flexibility in adjusting National Recovery Plans.
Siegfried Mureşan from the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee stated: “We are determined to ensure that the Recovery and Resilience Facility funds deliver tangible benefits to citizens.” He supported an extension for mature projects while calling for a review of unspent funds to support Europe’s strategic priorities amid geopolitical tensions.
