EU European Affairs Ministers held an exchange of views by videoconference on Tuesday 16 June on the post-Covid-19 European recovery plan and the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027, ahead of the European Council to be held on 19 June (see EUROPE 125062/2).
Ministers stressed the need to reach agreement on the package of proposals (see EUROPE 12504/2, 12494/1) in July.
Overall, there has been little change in the positions of the Member States. The four ‘frugal’ countries reiterated their preference for loans to States as part of the recovery plan rather than grants. They reiterated their position in favour of an MFF capped at 1% of EU Gross National Income (GNI) (https://bit.ly/3d67Z8n ), although nuances have been detected within the group.
The discussions showed leeway in openness within the national delegations and a willingness to reach agreement.
It will have to be agreed “in July”, said German Minister Michael Roth. He reiterated Germany’s request to link the disbursement of EU funds to respect for the fundamental values of the EU and the rule of law.
“It is necessary to dissociate what looks like blocks and individualise the needs”, commented a diplomatic source, referring to the opposition between frugal countries and so-called cohesion countries.
In his letter of invitation to EU leaders, European Council President Charles Michel called for Friday’s summit to address the proposal on the table in depth with a view to a physical summit in July. Among the points on which national positions have yet to converge, he cited the size and duration of the recovery plan, how to allocate European funding to the sectors and territories most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, own resources and rebates granted to certain countries.
See Mr Michel’s letter: https://bit.ly/3d2Rutv (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)