On Thursday 5 March, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets (BUDG) adopted the draft report tabled by Nils Ušakovs (S&D, Latvian), which sets out the European Parliament’s political guidelines for preparing the EU budget for 2027, the final year of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The text, approved by 20 votes in favour (6 against and 2 abstentions), supports a “predictable, solid and citizen-focused” budget at a time of increasing geopolitical instability, budgetary constraints and a range of social issues.
The six compromise amendments put to the vote were adopted.
The 2027 budget should therefore support European competitiveness, improve economic, social and territorial cohesion, protect quality jobs and strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities.
MEPs recall in particular the major role of cohesion policy in increasing competitiveness and reducing regional disparities.
Tackling labour shortages and skills gaps, support for health systems including mental health, and greater investment in critical infrastructure such as transport, energy and digital communications networks are also key priorities for MEPs, who are also calling for increased funding for the ‘European Social Fund Plus’.
The housing crisis and the rising cost of living should, according to the report, be countered by additional investment in affordable and sustainable housing.
The report also calls for greater support for civil society organisations, independent media and investigative journalism, which are considered essential to the proper functioning of European democracies.
With regard to the green transition, the text reaffirms the EU’s climate commitments and calls for accelerated investment in energy efficiency, clean technologies and the protection of biodiversity, notably through the LIFE programme.
The plenary vote will take place during the session from 9 to 12 March. The European Commission is due to present its proposal for the 2027 budget this summer, before negotiations with the EU Council by the end of the year.
Concerns about the increased borrowing costs associated with the Next Generation EU recovery plan are also relayed, and the report considers it essential to have recourse to own resources from the EU budget to avoid any adverse impact on European programmes.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/l1i (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)