MFF: a good starting point for discussion

02.05.2018 13:18

MFF: a good starting point for discussion

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"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.

Note to editors

The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 219 Members from 28 Member States

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