Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), As the European Council summit approaches this week, the Chief Negotiator for the European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Jan Olbrycht MEP, has raised concerns about the pivotal moment facing EU leaders. The focus is on whether they will reach a consensus on a robust revision of the Union’s long-term budget or settle for a patchy solution.
“This is the moment of truth: will EU leaders agree on a viable revision of the Union’s long-term budget or opt for a weak sticking plaster?” Olbrycht questioned, emphasizing the need for strong leadership in negotiating a responsible starting point for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The EPP Group asserts that a revised MFF should incorporate crucial financial support for Ukraine, additional funds to cover the repayment costs of the EU’s recovery fund debt, and flexibility to respond to unforeseen crises. The approval of a new €50 billion EU financial aid package for Ukraine and the implementation of the EU’s new competitiveness tool, STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform), hinges on the completion of the MFF review.
However, Olbrycht expressed apprehension about certain Member States undervaluing the importance of reinforcing the EU’s budgetary power. He criticized the procrastination in fortifying the MFF, stating that avoiding the reality of the dire state of the MFF will not make the issues disappear. Olbrycht urged the acknowledgment of the need for more resources to fund the EU budget.
In a separate call, EPP Group MEPs urged EU leaders to prioritize the approval of STEP during the European Council summit. José Manuel Fernandes MEP emphasized the urgency, stating, “Europe cannot wait. It is urgent to reinforce competitiveness and the EU’s strategic autonomy. The Council must act. We cannot live with only proclamations.”
Christian Ehler MEP echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical time for technological innovation in Europe. He expressed concern about Horizon Europe, the budget line for research and development, experiencing cuts of over €2 billion due to the MFF revision. According to Ehler, these cuts would undermine the ambition of achieving more strategic autonomy for the EU.
The MEPs underscored that achieving much-needed strategic autonomy for the EU relies on a robust and ambitious approach to cater to the needs of European industries. The decisions made at the upcoming European Council summit will play a crucial role in shaping the Union’s financial future and its position in global technological innovation.
