The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, invited on Saturday 25 January, the Heads of State or Government of the 27 Member States to an exceptional summit on 20 February in Brussels to “reach an agreement” on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12400/2).
Mr Michel took this decision after meetings at Sherpa level. “The time has come to reach an agreement at our level on the Multiannual Financial Framework”, explains the President in his letter of invitation to leaders.
“There was no advantage in delaying the negotiations”, a diplomatic source said, also stressing the need to conclude quickly to ensure the successful implementation of the programmes as of 1 January 2021.
“Any postponement would create serious practical and political problems and jeopardise the continuation of existing programmes and policies as well as the launch of new ones”, says Mr Michel.
He says he is “fully aware that these negotiations are among the most difficult ones we have to face. But I am also convinced that with common sense and determination we can strike a deal that will benefit all Europeans”.
Michel called on everyone to “demonstrate a spirit of compromise” and said the summit “will start on 20 February”, suggesting it could last longer than that.
At the end of the year, Finland had submitted a highly criticised draft (negotiating box) representing 1.07% of the Gross National Income (GNI) of the Twenty-Seven. Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn considered it “crucial” to reach a compromise to avoid delays in the programmes. The Commission believes that its proposal (1.14% of EU GNI) is a good compromise. Some so-called 'frugal' Member States are calling for 1%. After consultations, Mr Michel will make a comprehensive proposal on the MFF, in view of the European Council on 20 February. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)