On Friday 26 June, EU Member States discussed in Coreper (Committee of Representatives of the Member States to the EU) the proposal forming part of the 27 May package on the post-pandemic recovery plan, which mobilises 11.5 billion euros from 2020 to help EU countries deal with the Coronavirus crisis (see EUROPE 12512/18).
The European Commission proposes to adapt the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020 in order to allow for higher expenditure in 2020. €11.5 billion will be made available to help regions most in need, notably through REACT-EU (€5 billion).
The delegations from Southern European countries (Spain, Italy, etc.) asked for the funds to be made available as soon as possible. Central and Eastern European countries also supported the proposal.
Belgium, Ireland and Luxembourg were more cautious, particularly in view of the very tight time limits. France would have been of the opinion that this proposal would have an 'anti-recovery effect', as it would limit the budgetary space in 2020. ‘Frugal' countries have expressed doubts about the proposal and the amounts of money involved.
The discussions will continue next week under the German Presidency of the EU Council. The General Affairs Council will meet on 15 July to prepare the European Council dedicated to the MFF and the recovery plan on 17 and 18 July. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)