S&Ds: the long-term budget fails to address current and future challenges

During the plenary debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2027-2034 (MFF), the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament reiterated that the current proposal fails to address both present and future challenges. In this sense, they committed to working in the coming months to improve the proposal and make it fit for our citizens, businesses, regions and farmers.

In relation to the non-paper presented earlier this week by President von der Leyen which proposed some compromises modifying the initial proposal, the S&D's considered it as merely a cosmetic change. National Reform and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) remain at the discretion of member states; there is no clear involvement of the regions; there is no mention of the European Social Fund (ESF+) and cohesion policy as standalone funds; the structure for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains dysfunctional; funds are linked to macro conditionality, and the social dimension is completely left behind whilst the Parliament's prerogatives are forgotten.

Moreover, they ask for increased funding for the next long-term budget which should be based in new own resources. The current allocation is not enough and not fit for people's needs. In summary, it remains insufficient.

S&D leader, Iratxe García said,

"The non-paper on the MFF still falls short of the historic moment we are living. What you are proposing is just a makeover, and this is not what Europe and our citizens need. They need courageous decisions, fair budgets, and a shared vision of the future.

"We call for a next Multiannual Financial Framework that strengthens cohesion, agriculture, and social investment. Every euro invested should serve to reduce inequalities; regions, cities, and towns should have a say in planning their own development; and the scrutiny role of this Parliament should be respected.

"Cohesion Policy, the European Social Fund+, and the Common Agricultural Policy have been sidelined. This is not just our assessment: citizens, farmers and environmental organisations are saying it too.

"Conditionality cannot be a tool to punish regions for macroeconomic decisions over which they have no control. Above all, it must be a guarantee of values: rule of law, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, equality, and freedom.

"The European Union needs a budget that incorporates a common investment capacity together with new own resources to make this possible.

"These are the essentials to finance affordable housing, the green transition, innovation, and defence; to create jobs; and support our businesses and strategic sectors".