The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are extremely concerned by the Cypriot presidency’s proposals in the draft negotiating positions of the Council regarding the next EU long-term budget 2028-2034, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The S&D Group is particularly worried by the following:
1) the proposed cut in the size of the MFF compared to the European Commission's proposal;
2) the lack of commitment to establishing separate and well-funded allocations for the European Social Fund+, Cohesion Policy, and the Common Agricultural Policy within the next MFF, with dramatic consequences for the future of these key EU policies;
3) no clear funding for pressing issues affecting EU citizens such as affordable housing or the increasing cost of living;
4) no demonstration of a will to end the stalemate in the Council where member states are so far reluctant to meaningfully discuss the establishment of a system of genuine new own resources as revenue of the EU budget.
Mohammed Chahim, vice-president of the S&D Group for the next MFF, said:
“It is deeply concerning that the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU intends to propose cuts to the next long-term EU budget (2028-2034) compared to the European Commission’s proposal. On the contrary, we, the Socialists and Democrats, are convinced that Europe needs a more ambitious MFF to face today’s needs and challenges. This week our group has made public our six flagships.
“None of these priorities can be neglected at the expense of another; they are all vital to our citizens and our economy. We cannot afford to sacrifice any of these essential goals. However, that is exactly what will happen if the next MFF is not increased, or worse, cut further below the Commission’s proposal.”
Carla Tavares, leading co-negotiator of the European Parliament on the next MFF in the EP's committee on budgets, added:
“The European Commission has taken a step in the wrong direction by proposing the next EU long-term budget without a strong, separate, and well-funded European Social Fund+. Now, we see the member states are ready to follow in the wrong direction. In times of growing social inequalities, with pressing social issues throughout the entire EU, this is difficult to understand and impossible to explain to our citizens, especially the most vulnerable. We call on the Council to address what burdens the citizens: affordable housing, the rising cost of living, increasing social insecurity. If this is not dealt with in the next MFF, then where?
“Time and again we repeat it – we cannot do more with less! This is an opportunity for the Council to step up. The only way to ease the pressure on fiscally-restrained governments is to agree to new sources of revenue, as these are the only credible way to avoid cuts to programmes that are essential to the Union, and to secure the additional investment needed for citizens, businesses, and regions. This is why we call on member states to put an end to the stalemate in the Council on a system of genuine new own resources for the EU budget.
“We stand ready to engage in fruitful negotiations with the Council and the Commission, to have a budget in place as of the 1st of January 2028, bringing certainty and predictability to beneficiaries, citizens, businesses, regions, and international partners.”
