On Wednesday 1 April, the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper II) held an exchange of views on the financing of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, based on a note from the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council dated 26 March and consulted by Agence Europe (see EUROPE 13839/14).
This discussion took place in preparation for the debate between the leaders of the Member States of the European Union, scheduled for the informal meeting of the European Council on 23 and 24 April. Its aim was to provide initial political guidance on the financing arrangements for the EU’s future long-term budget.
According to diplomatic sources, the delegations agreed on the need for an “ambitious” budget, capable of meeting both the EU’s traditional priorities, such as the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion, and new challenges, notably in the areas of defence, security and competitiveness.
The Member States therefore supported a global approach, taking account of both expenditure and revenue.
The issue of own resources remains paramount. In particular, the European Commission is proposing the introduction of new revenue, in addition to raising the own resources ceiling and making greater use of financial instruments.
However, these avenues continue to give rise to reservations, as none of the proposed new resources has yet achieved the unanimity required within the EU Council.
The discussions were described as “useful” by the EU Council Presidency, which hopes to continue the work at both a technical and political level in the coming weeks. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)