MFF: a good starting point for discussion

"The money that is being used in the EU budget is money well-invested. It is about investing in the future, about showing solidarity, about shaping a good future for young Europeans. The Commission's proposal of a measured but ambitious budget is a good starting point for the discussions", said Manfred Weber MEP, the EPP Group Chairman, during today's debate in plenary on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget.

"For us it is clear that new tasks require new resources. The EU makes a difference in so many aspects of peoples’ lives. We have more and more tasks ahead of us, for example on defence, strengthening Frontex, and building a brighter future for young Europeans. The fact that the European Commission has integrated our proposal of free Interrail tickets for 18 year-olds in its budget planning is a sign that it is taking young people seriously", said Weber.

“We welcome the Commission’s proposal of doubling the funds of the Erasmus+ Programme and the significant increases for the research programmes, climate action or the new investment in security and defence. Nevertheless, we need to discuss the Commission’s proposed 4% cut in direct payments, 5% cut in agriculture and 7% cut in cohesion. Ask the Member States if they agree to cutting agriculture and cohesion funds”, stated José Manuel Fernandes MEP, the EPP Group Spokesman in the Budgets Committee.