On Wednesday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) emphasized the importance of maintaining strong cohesion and agriculture policies in the EU’s long-term budget. This comes ahead of the European Commission’s proposal next week.
Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, addressed MEPs saying, “we are united in belief that EU budget has to be modernised, the world around us is changing rapidly, and new challenges require smarter responses.” He suggested a more flexible multiannual financial framework (MFF) while preserving predictability. Serafin also highlighted the need for new revenue sources as €25 billion will be committed annually from 2028 to repay loans from the NextGenerationEU instrument.
Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, RO), co-rapporteur for the MFF file, stated that while flexibility is necessary for unexpected developments, certainty must be provided to investors and sectors like agriculture. “Parliament’s utmost priority is that the identity and strength of the common agriculture and cohesion policies be preserved,” he said. Mureșan also stressed improving security and defense within the EU budget.
Carla Tavares (S&D, PT), another co-rapporteur for the MFF file, opposed having a national plan per member state to manage programs. She insisted on a strong European Social Fund as per Article 162 of the EU Treaty. Tavares emphasized that cohesion policy should remain a primary investment tool for competitiveness and resilience.
During discussions, MEPs urged modernization and reform in budgeting processes with an emphasis on efficiency. They called for involvement from regional authorities and non-profit sectors in decision-making. There were calls for new resources dedicated to defense, green initiatives, social objectives, infrastructure investment, education support, health research enhancement among others.
The Parliament had previously adopted its priorities on post-2027 long-term budgets during May’s plenary session. A press conference by co-rapporteurs is scheduled on July 15 at 09:30 in Brussels before Parliament considers approval of this next long-term budget proposal expected soon after.
