Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, on the EU’s budget

 “At a time when we are faced with the worst crisis of our generation, the EU cannot leave present and future generations behind. That is why Social Democrats will not accept the cuts to the long-term goals, through the Union’s multiannual budget, at a time when they are most needed. We will also remain very firm against any proposal that puts at risk the Rule of Law, our best tool to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms."

This week

Following a weekend of intense negotiations in the European Council, there was an agreement on the Recovery Fund and the EU’s multiannual budget (MFF). MEPs wasted no time in agreeing a joint response to EU leaders when they met for an extraordinary plenary session on Thursday.

The S&D Group welcomed the historic deal in the Council by agreeing to issue joint debt through grants in the Recovery Fund, but we warned that cuts to our long-term objectives in the budget like humanitarian aid, research or Erasmus+ were not acceptable.

The S&D Group was also clear that we would not give up on the EU fundamental values: there should not be a single euro given to governments that flout the rule of law.

Watch S&D Group leader Iratxe García set out our priorities for the upcoming negotiations.

 

While in the 2008 crisis, austerity saved banks and abandoned people, now it’s time to put people first. The fight for a greener, more digital and inclusive society in Europe is far from over and we will be continuing to push this agenda over the next few weeks over the summer.

You can help make sure that the EU delivers for people by sharing our videos and posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In the meantime, we wish you all the best over the summer!

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