Make the most out of the COVID-19 recovery fund

The EPP Group wants to maximise the impact of the Recovery and Resilience Funds (RRF) of more than 650 billion Euros, which is the EU’s core element to get the economy back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading EPP Group MEPs Siegfried Mureșan and Isabel Benjumea see shortcomings in the implementation and advocate for ensuring the best possible results for European citizens and the economy.

Mureșan, the Parliaments chief negotiator on the RRF in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, says: "The Recovery and Resilience Funds were secured under exceptionally favourable conditions. In the European Parliament, we are determined to ensure that these resources deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Therefore, we call for an 18-month extension for mature RRF projects that are on track for successful completion. We also urge Member States to accelerate their related reforms and investments. The European Commission, using transparent and objective criteria, must identify projects eligible for this extension."

Benjumea, chief negotiator for the EPP Group on the RRF in the Budgets Committee, confirms: "The success of the EU recovery funds will not be measured by big numbers, glossy presentations or political promises. What matters is whether the money reaches the real economy and the people who need it. With just over a year left, the low level of implementation is deeply concerning. Too many milestones and targets remain unmet." Referring to recent criticism from the European Court of Auditors, she explains: "More transparency and independent evaluations are essential. We need full data on implementation, a clear list of final recipients, and a proper assessment of the actual impact of national reforms."

Mureșan and Benjumea insist that local and regional authorities must be closely involved in the implementation of the national plans and the management of the funds regarding the RRF.