The European Parliament today voted in favour of the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which sets the framework and spending ceilings for the EU’s annual budget, to allow for additional funding and greater flexibility.

S&D vice-president Isabelle Thomas, co-author of the Parliament’s report on revision of the MFF, said:

“The European Parliament has sent a clear message today that we need a better funded and more flexible EU budget to tackle the many challenges Europe faces. From youth unemployment to migration, investment, defence and agriculture, national governments are asking the EU to do more, while not providing the resources or the flexibility to act effectively. Today’s revision will help rectify this and restore Europe’s capacity for action.

“We have fought hard with the Council to obtain a review of the MFF and have secured an extra six billion Euros for the period 2017-2020. This includes up to 3 billion for flexibility and an extra 1.2 billion to help fight against youth unemployment. Millions of young European are still out of work and this extra funding shows that the EU is committed to tackling this ongoing tragedy.”

Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, S&D spokesperson for the budget committee, said:

“A well-funded EU budget is essential for a successful Europe. We will continue to fight for a bold reform of how the EU is financed too, so citizens can have the Europe they deserve. This is essential if we are to get to grips with continuing migration challenges, boost growth in Europe and deal with the consequences of Brexit. We will fight to ensure that the EU budget has the resources it needs.”

MEPs involved
Coordinator
Spain