European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented options for amending her proposal for the EU’s next long-term budget, following threats of obstruction from the European Parliament. These adjustments aim to garner broader support for the crucial financial framework.
According to sources, Von der Leyen communicated potential modifications to her proposal in a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the current Council Presidency. The proposed adjustments include granting EU regions greater decision-making autonomy, offering potential safeguards for the agricultural sector, and strengthening the European Parliament’s role in allocating funds from the EU budget.
One notable option under consideration is the potential earmarking of funds specifically for rural development, in addition to existing allocations under the Common Agricultural Policy. This measure aims to address concerns regarding the equitable distribution of resources and support for rural communities across the European Union.
These additional options are intended to facilitate the adoption of the long-term budget, officially known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034, by both the European Parliament and the governments of the EU member states. The MFF will enable spending of approximately 2 trillion euros (2.3 trillion dollars) over the seven-year budget period, representing an increase of around 700 billion euros compared to the current seven-year budget.
This move comes after leaders of key political groups in the European Parliament conveyed their partial rejection of the Commission’s initial long-term budget proposal to Von der Leyen in a joint letter. The proposed amendments seek to address these concerns and bridge the gap between the Commission’s vision and the Parliament’s priorities.
The successful negotiation and implementation of the MFF are critical for the EU’s ability to fund its policies and priorities, including economic recovery, climate action, and digital transformation. The coming weeks will be crucial as the European Parliament and member states deliberate on Von der Leyen’s proposed amendments and work towards a consensus on the EU’s financial future.
