The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said on Thursday 20 February, after a speech to the members of the European Council on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), that the proposal put "on the table" by President Charles Michel was "unacceptable".
In his speech to the heads of state or government of The Twenty-Seven, Mr Sassoli stressed that the European Parliament "is prepared to reject any agreement that does not give the EU the means to meet the many challenges it faces".
He told the press that he hoped the EU leaders' agreement "will live up to the EU's ambitions". Mr Sassoli was particularly critical of the cuts affecting traditional policies (agriculture and cohesion) in Mr Michel's draft.
The EU would not be able to meet the challenges, including the implementation of the European Green Deal, with the means currently planned, said the European Parliament President. "We don't want companies to go out of business", Sassoli said. He also stressed the need to discuss the new own resources and the conditionality between the EU budget and respect for the rule of law.
Asked about his determination to potentially block the MFF agreement, Mr Sassoli replied that this European Parliament is "proud and will not give up its prerogatives".
He said he was ready to negotiate with the EU Council to find solutions, but the proposal on the table "is not a starting point for discussion", he warned (see EUROPE 12429/2). The European Parliament must give its consent to the MFF agreement, as it has a veto right. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)