Latest news with #Cohesion
Euractiv
15-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Parliament threatens to block EU budget talks over €800bn ‘re-nationalisation' plan
The Parliament's two lead negotiators warned on Tuesday they would not even begin budget negotiations unless the Commission abandons its plan to centre EU spending on national reform plans that sideline MEPs. At stake is how the bulk of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be spent, just a day before the Commission is set to unveil the EU budget's radical overhaul. Under the proposed plan, two-thirds of the bloc's €1.2 trillion budget, currently earmarked for regions (Cohesion) and farmers (CAP), would be channelled through national reform plans, negotiated between the Commission and EU countries. Funds would be disbursed only after approval by the Commission and Council, removing the Parliament's ability to weigh in on matters beyond the plans' general guidelines. For MEPs, the idea is a non-starter. 'We reject any attempt to re-nationalise the EU budget,' said Siegfried Mureșan, co-lead on Parliament's position and budget point man of Ursula von der Leyen's centre-right EPP party, during a press conference. 'We will not accept, in any way, the path that the Commission wishes to take,' and it is 'crystal clear' from Parliament's mandate that they cannot accept the plans 'under any circumstances,' said Carla Tavares, Parliament co-lead on behalf of the centre-left S&D group. MEPs have long complained of being sidelined, as was the case in recent defence packages and the bloc's €650 billion COVID loan, which the reform-for-cash plan is modelled after. 'We have seen since 2019 that this European Commission was not sufficiently preoccupied with democratic accountability, transparency,' and involving the parliament, said Mureșan. The Commission argued that tailoring spending per country would greatly reduce administrative burdens and strengthen EU priorities. Still, the budget plan is unlikely to move forward without Parliament's approval. 'We can already say that we will not start the process if there is no clear, distinct CAP and cohesion policy,' Mureșan said. (mm)
Euractiv
14-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Money talks: What the EU-27 want from the next budget
The European Commission is set to present its big pitch for the EU's 2028–2034 budget on Wednesday, promising to drastically 'simplify' and completely rethink how the bloc spends money. The current €1.2 trillion amount is locked in for seven years, divided into 16 different clusters and over 50 budget lines. Roughly a third goes to farmers via the Common Agricultural Policy, another to regional development in Cohesion funds, and the rest to research, foreign policy, industry, and administration. But any overhaul is not up to Brussels alone. Every spending line in the so-called 'multi-year financial framework' (MFF) requires unanimous sign-off from both the Parliament and national capitals. Euractiv asked all 27 governments and combed through position papers to get their views on five crunch questions: Size: Should the budget be increased? Own resources: Should new EU-level income sources, like a carbon tax or joint debt, be introduced? National envelopes: Should the funds reserved for farmers (CAP, two parts) and lagging regions (cohesion, four parts) merge into national cash pots? Reform-for-cash: Should EU countries or regions be forced to make EU-friendly reforms to access EU funds? CAP/Cohesion cuts? Should CAP and cohesion funds be reduced? Five fights that will shape the EU's next €1.2 trillion budget There is a broad consensus that the EU needs a more agile budget but the bloc is a heavy machine – and always at risk of taking the path of least friction. In a nutshell: Thirteen countries, including France, support a bigger budget. Seven countries, including Germany, oppose an increase. Twelve countries, including France and Germany, support introducing 'new own' resources. Six countries are sceptical. Nineteen countries, including France and Germany, reject an outright merger of cohesion and CAP. But they may still favour a move in that direction, as long as their favourite programmes survive in some shape or form. countries, including France and Germany, reject an outright merger of cohesion and CAP. But they may still favour a move in that direction, as long as their favourite programmes survive in some shape or form. Thirteen countries, including Germany and France, are in favour of increased cash-for-reforms in the next budget. Nine are against. countries, including Germany and France, are in favour of increased cash-for-reforms in the next budget. Nine are against. Fifteen countries reject cuts to cohesion and CAP. The budget needs to be approved unanimously. Austria The government's position has not yet been finalised, officials told Euractiv. Belgium Bigger budget: Lean no. 'EU-level spending should remain focused on areas where it clearly delivers added value,' Deputy Prime Minister Van Peteghem told Euractiv in a statement. Own resources: Lean no. ' Belgium has not yet adopted fixed positions' but expects EU institutions to 'pursue greater efficiency and fiscal discipline in budget execution.' National envelopes: No. 'Belgium believes CAP should remain a separate instrument,' with its own internal distribution key. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. 'Belgium supports a performance-based approach' if it doesn't increase administrative burdens and respects the regional administration architecture of member countries. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No position. Bulgaria Bigger budget: Yes. The next MFF should 'at least' equal the current one and the EU's €650 billion Covid recovery fund together (RFF), reads a position non-paper seen by Euractiv. Own resources: Lean yes. 'We remain open to introducing genuine new own resources,' the paper reads. National envelopes: No. CAP should have a dedicated budget and retain its two-pillar structure, but Bulgaria supports more flexibility between the two pillars. Reform-for-cash: No. The Cohesion Fund should be preserved in its current form, with funding not tied to reform commitments. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Both areas are important. Croatia Bigger budget: Yes. "Croatia advocates an ambitious and robust budget," the government told Euractiv. Own resources: No position. National envelopes and reform-for-cash: Lean no. Greece is among the 14 countries that rallied against making regional funding conditional on national reforms in early July. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Zagreb wants a budget that "ensures a strong cohesion and CAP policy." Cyprus Cyprus did not respond to Euractiv's request in time for publication. Czechia Bigger budget: Lean yes. Czechia 'is ready to discuss a limited increase of the long-term EU budget,' the government told Euractiv. New own resources: Lean no. ' Czechia is in general reserved towards the introduction of new own resources.' National envelopes: No. 'We strongly support maintaining a separate CAP fund.' Czechia is 'cautious towards the possible in-depth reforms' for cohesion. Reform-for-cash: Lean no. Czechia is 'cautious' about greater focus on reforms. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. Cohesion is described as a crucial investment tool. No position given on CAP. Denmark Bigger budget: Lean yes. Despite being traditionally frugal, Denmark is open to a bigger budget. New own resources: Lean yes. 'You're not going hear us say... that we exclude sources of financing such as common debt from the beginning,' Copenhagen's ambassador to the EU said. All other questions: No position. Denmark does not want to share any position, citing its role in leading Council budget negotiations during its presidency, officials told Euractiv. Estonia Bigger budget: Yes. Estonia supports a larger EU budget and is ready to contribute more, along with other EU countries, reads a position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. ' New sources of revenue could be considered if they offer added value' and don't disproportionally burden poorer countries, reads the paper. National envelopes: Lean yes. Estonia favours streamlining funds and 'avoiding overlaps', but prefers adapting existing instruments to creating new ones. Reform-for-cash: Yes. Cohesion 'must continue to support the implementation of structural reforms' and should be aligned with country-specific recommendations. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. New priorities 'cannot be carried out at the expense of a significant reduction in existing areas.' Finland Bigger budget: No. 'The future MFF must be kept at a reasonable level,' reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. The proposals to divert funds from carbon levies (CBAM and ETS 2) are promising, Finland says. National envelopes: Lean yes. ' Finland is open to different models for reforming the future CAP' but insists that farmers' income support must remain a coherent whole. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Finland is 'open to a performance-based approach' but it should not be modelled after the EU's Covid recovery loan. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Yes. 'Cohesion funding should be decreased' and national co-financing of direct payments to farmers can be explored. France Bigger budget: Yes. Macron previously floated the idea of doubling the budget, and a French position paper from March reads that 'it is essential to invest in European priorities by scaling up.' New own resources: Yes. 'The introduction of new own resources is a sine qua non condition for an agreement,' reads the paper. National envelopes: Lean no. France is open to merging cohesion funds, but CAP should have a dedicated budget and 'maintain the two pillars.' Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Strengthening the performance-based approach with a role for national plans is a 'potentially interesting avenue.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. The EU needs a CAP with the 'ambition and resources commensurate with the stakes involved.' Germany Bigger budget: No. There is "no basis for increasing the volume of the MFF in relation to economic strength,' reads a German position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Germany will 'constructively examine' proposals for new EU income sources. National envelopes: No. CAP and Cohesion should remain distinct policy areas, with rural development kept as an 'integral' element of CAP. Reform-for-cash: Yes. Cohesion should 'provide stronger incentives for national reform measures.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. CAP should have an 'appropriate budget' to meet high demands. Cohesion funds should be adjusted to be 'more suitable' for future needs. Greece Bigger budget: No position. New own resources: No position. National envelopes and reform-for-cash: Lean no. Greece is among the 14 countries that rallied against making regional funding conditional on national reforms in early July. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. CAP and cohesion are the top Greek priorities, a source close to the matter told Euractiv. Hungary Bigger budget: No. Budapest does not support the proposed changes to the budget or new revenue sources, reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: No. Hungary supports the current system without any modification. National envelopes: No. A flexible MFF 'with fewer budgetary headings and spending programmes" would, in Budapest's view, shift too much power to the Commission at the expense of member countries. Reform-for-cash: No. It would be 'the exact opposite of what is actually needed: greater flexibility for member states,' not the Commission. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. Cohesion should have a 'dedicated and robust' budget, and CAP should be 'at least on the same level.' Ireland Bigger budget: No. Ireland is 'committed to financing our fair share,' according to a position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean no. Dublin is 'willing to consider proposals for genuine new own resources,' but opposes the proposed EU income based on corporate profits. National envelopes: No. CAP should remain separate from national plans, with its two-pillar structure and independent governing structure. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Ireland sees a role for performance-based EU funding to deliver EU objectives. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. 'Ireland calls for a robustly funded CAP.' Italy Bigger budget: No position. New own resources: No position. National envelopes: No. Italy will fight to maintain both CAP and cohesion in their current form, European Minister Tommaso Foti said on 6 July. Reform-for-cash: No. Common objectives would drastically reduce Italy's ability to design its own interventions, Foti argued. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Latvia Bigger budget: Yes. Latvia supports an increased MFF, the government told Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Riga is open to discussing various options, including new own resources and joint borrowing. National envelopes: Lean no. 'Latvia is in principle open' but sceptical of 'over-simplification... Cohesion and CAP should remain separate allocations.' Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. But 'the focus should be on reforms that contribute to the effectiveness of the planned investments.' CAP/Cohesion cuts: No position. Lithuania Bigger budget: Lean yes . 'There is a need to discuss increasing the volume of the EU budget', reads a Lithuania position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean no. A larger budget could be financed with the current system or by introducing new income sources. National envelopes: No. It is appropriate with 'some adjustments,' but drastic reforms should be avoided. The core principles of cohesion should be maintained. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. But the Covid loan model should not be extended to policy areas unrelated to national reform agendas, such as CAP. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. Vilnius calls for 'adequate funding' for CAP and 'sufficient cohesion budget for all EU regions. Luxembourg Bigger budget: Lean yes. 'The MFF is a vital instrument' and 'it is essential to take into account new realities when defining future budgetary priorities', Luxembourg's government responded. All other questions: No position. Malta Bigger budget: No position. ' Malta's position on the size of the MFF will be determined by the composition of the EU budget as a whole,' reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Valletta is open to the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) but strongly opposes any move for EU-level taxation or company profits-based income. National envelopes: Lean no. 'While flexibility is an essential element of any budget, it must not come at the expense of the stability and predictability of investment programmes,' reads the non-paper. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Malta is in favour under certain circumstances. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Yes/no. Malta wants CAP direct payments to be co-financed by national budgets to 'free up EU budgetary resources.' But increased spending on priorities like defence 'must not come at the expense' of cohesion policy. Netherlands Bigger budget: No. Ambitious EU policy is possible within current budgetary parameters and we should 'also look at what the EU could do less of,' a Dutch position paper from March reads. New own resources: Lean yes. The Netherlands is open to new EU income sources and notes that emissions-related tools like CBAM and ETS are less costly for Dutch taxpayers than traditional GNI-based contributions. National envelopes: Lean yes. The government is 'receptive' to the idea of a national plan for distributing funds. Reforms-for-cash: Lean yes. The Netherlands is 'open to exploring' more performance-based budgeting and 'considers it important that member states implement reforms that strengthen their economies' and the bloc. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean yes. The Netherlands prefers to limit spending in general, but wants more for competitiveness and defence. Poland Bigger budget: Yes. Warsaw says the EU's financial ambitions should be 'significantly higher than before,' according to a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Poland supports the debate on new EU-level revenue sources, but insists on expanding the budget rather than replacing existing funding. This also must not overly burden less affluent countries. National envelopes: No. CAP should keep its own dedicated budget, based on its 'well-established and proven' two-pillar structure. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Some inspiration can be taken from the EU's Covid recovery loan, but must have a 'thematically closer link' to the cash, and reforms 'should not contribute to excessive centralisation and merging of instruments.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. The share of the budget allocated to CAP and cohesion should not be reduced. Portugal Bigger budget: Yes. The EU budget must go 'well beyond the current GNI threshold,' according to a Portuguese position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Yes. New EU-level revenue is 'vital' to relieve pressure on the spending side of the budget. National envelopes: No. 'Cohesion and CAP funds should remain autonomous,' the paper reads, with CAP 'built upon its two-pillar structure.' Reform-for-cash: No. Portugal wants to keep core cohesion principles. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. Portugal defends CAP and cohesion as crucial for the EU project. Romania Bigger budget: No position. New own resources: No position. National envelopes and reform-for-cash: Lean no. Romania is among the 14 countries that rallied against making regional funding conditional on national reforms in early July. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No position. Romania did not respond to Euractiv's request for comments. Slovakia Bigger budget: No position Own resources: No position National envelopes: No. 'It is essential to maintain a dedicated EU cohesion policy' and 'we fundamentally reject the centralisation of EU cohesion policy,' reads a Slovak position paper on cohesion policy seen by Euractiv. Reform-for-cash: Yes. Slovakia 'supports the modernisation of EU cohesion policy' and "strengthening the link between cohesion policy and the European Semester," an EU framework for coordinating economic and social policies. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Cohesion should remain a "major European investment policy with an adequate budget" Slovenia Bigger budget: Yes. Slovenia wants a budget 'comparable in size' to the current budget and the €650 billion Covid loan combined, reads a position paper seen by Euractiv. Own resources: Yes. 'All possible options should be explored,' the paper reads. National envelopes: No. 'Specificities of individual thematic areas included in the programme should be recognised.' Reform-for-cash: Lean no. 'Subsidiarity and Member States' ownership of the reforms should be ensured.' CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. The next MFF should ensure that CAP and cohesion funds have 'comparable levels of financing'. Spain Bigger budget: Yes. The EU budget should be 'at least 2% of the EU's annual GDP,' reads a Spanish non-paper, dated February, seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Yes. Spain supports new 'genuine' EU own resources, meaning that they should contribute to increasing the budget rather than replacing direct contributions. National envelopes: Lean no. National envelopes encompassing a number of EU policies 'may not be the most effective way to achieve a simpler and more focused budget', and CAP should maintain its two-pillar structure. Reform-for-cash: No position. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. Spain 'firmly believes in the importance of Cohesion' and CAP must have a 'sufficient and adequate' budget. Sweden Bigger budget: No. Sweden's budget restrictive stance remains firm: 'The EU budget as a share of GNI for regular expenditure should continue to be around 1%,' reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: No. Sweden sees no need for – and is critical of – new EU-level resources. National envelopes: Lean yes. Stockholm wants the EU budget to have a simpler structure and fewer thematic areas and programmes. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. ' Sweden supports, in principle, an implementation model based on performance-based budgeting.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean yes. 'Investments in existing or new areas need to be matched by cuts in other areas.' Eddy Wax, Nicoletta Ionta, Charles Szumski, Aurélie Pugnet, and Barbara Zmušková contributed to reporting. (mm)
Euractiv
14-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Commission to ditch regions with €800bn cash-for-reform plan
The system mirrors the EU's COVID-19 recovery fund, where the Commission negotiated directly with national capitals and bypassed regions in managing implementation Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Jacob Wulff Wold Euractiv Jul 14, 2025 16:59 2 min. read News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Commission is set to push ahead with plans to condition farming and regional funds on domestic reforms in the 2028–2034 budget, according to a draft regulation seen by Euractiv. The idea had already triggered months of backlash from 19 member states, 149 regions, and even Ursula von der Leyen's own political party, the centre-right EPP, arguing that such a plan would erode regional autonomy and unfairly penalise local authorities for national-level decisions. At the heart of it is a radical reshaping of the bloc's two largest spending programmes: the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion funds, meant for poorer regions across the bloc. Brussels wants to fold the roughly €800 billion allocated to those funds into 27 national cash pots, making money contingent on EU-approved national reforms. "Moving from close to 540 programmes to 27 National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Plans will reduce administrative costs at all levels," the draft regulation reads. Each government would be required to submit a national plan outlining its "agenda of reforms, investments, and other interventions," and would only receive funds after approval from the Commission and the Council. The plan is inspired by the EU's €650 billion COVID recovery loan, where the Commission sidestepped regions by negotiating with capitals, leaving implementation in the hands of national authorities. Von der Leyen floated the idea of partnerships in May, but left open how far-reaching the reform would need to be, reassuring both regions and farmers that they would maintain a central place. Farmers secured protection for their €291 billion in direct income support in the next budget, but saw their €96 billion regional fund fully subsumed, as first reported by Euractiv. The final version of the document, including funding numbers, is set to be presented on Wednesday. Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro contributed to reporting. (mm)
Euractiv
14-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Where all EU countries stand on the next long-term EU budget
The Commission is set to present its big pitch for the EU's 2028–2034 budget (MFF) on Wednesday, promising to drastically 'simplify' and completely rethink how the bloc spends money. The current €1.2 trillion amount is locked in for seven years, divided into 16 different clusters and over 50 budget lines. Roughly a third goes to farmers via the Common Agricultural Policy, another to regional development in Cohesion funds, and the rest to research, foreign policy, industry, and administration. But any overhaul is not up to Brussels alone. Every spending line needs unanimous sign-off from both the Parliament and national capitals. Euractiv asked all 27 governments and combed through position papers to get their views on five crunch questions: Size: Should the budget be increased? Own resources: Should new EU-level income sources, like a carbon tax or joint debt, be introduced? National envelopes: Should the funds reserved for farmers (CAP, two parts) and lagging regions (cohesion, four parts) merge into national cash pots? Reform-for-cash: Should EU countries or regions be forced to make EU-friendly reforms to access EU funds? CAP/Cohesion cuts? Should CAP and cohesion funds be reduced? In a nutshell: Thirteen countries, including France, support a bigger budget. Seven countries, including Germany, oppose an increase. Twelve countries, including France and Germany, support introducing 'new own' resources. Six countries are sceptical. Nineteen countries, including France and Germany, reject an outright merger of cohesion and CAP. But they may still favour a move in that direction, as long as their favourite programmes survive in some shape or form. countries, including France and Germany, reject an outright merger of cohesion and CAP. But they may still favour a move in that direction, as long as their favourite programmes survive in some shape or form. Thirteen countries, including Germany and France, are in favour of increased cash-for-reforms in the next budget. Nine are against. countries, including Germany and France, are in favour of increased cash-for-reforms in the next budget. Nine are against. Fifteen countries reject cuts to cohesion and CAP. The budget needs to be approved unanimously. Austria The government's position has not yet been finalised, officials told Euractiv. Belgium Bigger budget: Lean no. 'EU-level spending should remain focused on areas where it clearly delivers added value,' Deputy Prime Minister Van Peteghem told Euractiv in a statement. Own resources: Lean no. ' Belgium has not yet adopted fixed positions' but expects EU institutions to 'pursue greater efficiency and fiscal discipline in budget execution.' National envelopes: No. 'Belgium believes CAP should remain a separate instrument,' with its own internal distribution key. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. 'Belgium supports a performance-based approach' if it doesn't increase administrative burdens and respects the regional administration architecture of member countries. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No position. Bulgaria Bigger budget: Yes. The next MFF should 'at least' equal the current one and the EU's €650 billion Covid recovery fund together (RFF), reads a position non-paper seen by Euractiv. Own resources: Lean yes. 'We remain open to introducing genuine new own resources,' the paper reads. National envelopes: No. CAP should have a dedicated budget and retain its two-pillar structure, but Bulgaria supports more flexibility between the two pillars. Reform-for-cash: No. The Cohesion Fund should be preserved in its current form, with funding not tied to reform commitments. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Both areas are important. Croatia Bigger budget: Yes. "Croatia advocates an ambitious and robust budget," the government told Euractiv. Own resources: No position. National envelopes and reform-for-cash: Lean no. Greece is among the 14 countries that rallied against making regional funding conditional on national reforms in early July. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Zagreb wants a budget that "ensures a strong cohesion and CAP policy." Cyprus Cyprus did not respond to Euractiv's request in time for publication. Czechia Bigger budget: Lean yes. Czechia 'is ready to discuss a limited increase of the long-term EU budget,' the government told Euractiv. New own resources: Lean no. ' Czechia is in general reserved towards the introduction of new own resources.' National envelopes: No. 'We strongly support maintaining a separate CAP fund.' Czechia is 'cautious towards the possible in-depth reforms' for cohesion. Reform-for-cash: Lean no. Czechia is 'cautious' about greater focus on reforms. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. Cohesion is described as a crucial investment tool. No position given on CAP. Denmark Bigger budget: Lean yes. Despite being traditionally frugal, Denmark is open to a bigger budget. New own resources: Lean yes. 'You're not going hear us say... that we exclude sources of financing such as common debt from the beginning,' Copenhagen's ambassador to the EU said. All other questions: No position. Denmark does not want to share any position, citing its role in leading Council budget negotiations during its presidency, officials told Euractiv. Estonia Bigger budget: Yes. Estonia supports a larger EU budget and is ready to contribute more, along with other EU countries, reads a position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. ' New sources of revenue could be considered if they offer added value' and don't disproportionally burden poorer countries, reads the paper. National envelopes: Lean yes. Estonia favours streamlining funds and 'avoiding overlaps', but prefers adapting existing instruments to creating new ones. Reform-for-cash: Yes. Cohesion 'must continue to support the implementation of structural reforms' and should be aligned with country-specific recommendations. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. New priorities 'cannot be carried out at the expense of a significant reduction in existing areas.' Finland Bigger budget: No. 'The future MFF must be kept at a reasonable level,' reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. The proposals to divert funds from carbon levies (CBAM and ETS 2) are promising, Finland says. National envelopes: Lean yes. ' Finland is open to different models for reforming the future CAP' but insists that farmers' income support must remain a coherent whole. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Finland is 'open to a performance-based approach' but it should not be modelled after the EU's Covid recovery loan. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Yes. 'Cohesion funding should be decreased' and national co-financing of direct payments to farmers can be explored. France Bigger budget: Yes. Macron previously floated the idea of doubling the budget, and a French position paper from March reads that 'it is essential to invest in European priorities by scaling up.' New own resources: Yes. 'The introduction of new own resources is a sine qua non condition for an agreement,' reads the paper. National envelopes: Lean no. France is open to merging cohesion funds, but CAP should have a dedicated budget and 'maintain the two pillars.' Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Strengthening the performance-based approach with a role for national plans is a 'potentially interesting avenue.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. The EU needs a CAP with the 'ambition and resources commensurate with the stakes involved.' Germany Bigger budget: No. There is "no basis for increasing the volume of the MFF in relation to economic strength,' reads a German position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Germany will 'constructively examine' proposals for new EU income sources. National envelopes: No. CAP and Cohesion should remain distinct policy areas, with rural development kept as an 'integral' element of CAP. Reform-for-cash: Yes. Cohesion should 'provide stronger incentives for national reform measures.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. CAP should have an 'appropriate budget' to meet high demands. Cohesion funds should be adjusted to be 'more suitable' for future needs. Greece Bigger budget: No position. New own resources: No position. National envelopes and reform-for-cash: Lean no. Greece is among the 14 countries that rallied against making regional funding conditional on national reforms in early July. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. CAP and cohesion are the top Greek priorities, a source close to the matter told Euractiv. Hungary Bigger budget: No. Budapest does not support the proposed changes to the budget or new revenue sources, reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: No. Hungary supports the current system without any modification. National envelopes: No. A flexible MFF 'with fewer budgetary headings and spending programmes" would, in Budapest's view, shift too much power to the Commission at the expense of member countries. Reform-for-cash: No. It would be 'the exact opposite of what is actually needed: greater flexibility for member states,' not the Commission. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. Cohesion should have a 'dedicated and robust' budget, and CAP should be 'at least on the same level.' Ireland Bigger budget: No. Ireland is 'committed to financing our fair share,' according to a position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean no. Dublin is 'willing to consider proposals for genuine new own resources,' but opposes the proposed EU income based on corporate profits. National envelopes: No. CAP should remain separate from national plans, with its two-pillar structure and independent governing structure. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Ireland sees a role for performance-based EU funding to deliver EU objectives. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. 'Ireland calls for a robustly funded CAP.' Italy Bigger budget: No position. New own resources: No position. National envelopes: No. Italy will fight to maintain both CAP and cohesion in their current form, European Minister Tommaso Foti said on 6 July. Reform-for-cash: No. Common objectives would drastically reduce Italy's ability to design its own interventions, Foti argued. Latvia Bigger budget: Yes. Latvia supports an increased MFF, the government told Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Riga is open to discussing various options, including new own resources and joint borrowing. National envelopes: Lean no. 'Latvia is in principle open' but sceptical of 'over-simplification... Cohesion and CAP should remain separate allocations.' Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. But 'the focus should be on reforms that contribute to the effectiveness of the planned investments.' CAP/Cohesion cuts: No position. Lithuania Bigger budget: Lean yes . 'There is a need to discuss increasing the volume of the EU budget', reads a Lithuania position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean no. A larger budget could be financed with the current system or by introducing new income sources. National envelopes: No. It is appropriate with 'some adjustments,' but drastic reforms should be avoided. The core principles of cohesion should be maintained. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. But the Covid loan model should not be extended to policy areas unrelated to national reform agendas, such as CAP. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. Vilnius calls for 'adequate funding' for CAP and 'sufficient cohesion budget for all EU regions. Luxembourg Bigger budget: Lean yes. 'The MFF is a vital instrument' and 'it is essential to take into account new realities when defining future budgetary priorities', Luxembourg's government responded. All other questions: No position. Malta Bigger budget: No position. ' Malta's position on the size of the MFF will be determined by the composition of the EU budget as a whole,' reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Valletta is open to the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) but strongly opposes any move for EU-level taxation or company profits-based income. National envelopes: Lean no. 'While flexibility is an essential element of any budget, it must not come at the expense of the stability and predictability of investment programmes,' reads the non-paper. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Malta is in favour under certain circumstances. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Yes/no. Malta wants CAP direct payments to be co-financed by national budgets to 'free up EU budgetary resources.' But increased spending on priorities like defence 'must not come at the expense' of cohesion policy. Netherlands Bigger budget: No. Ambitious EU policy is possible within current budgetary parameters and we should 'also look at what the EU could do less of,' a Dutch position paper from March reads. New own resources: Lean yes. The Netherlands is open to new EU income sources and notes that emissions-related tools like CBAM and ETS are less costly for Dutch taxpayers than traditional GNI-based contributions. National envelopes: Lean yes. The government is 'receptive' to the idea of a national plan for distributing funds. Reforms-for-cash: Lean yes. The Netherlands is 'open to exploring' more performance-based budgeting and 'considers it important that member states implement reforms that strengthen their economies' and the bloc. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean yes. The Netherlands prefers to limit spending in general, but wants more for competitiveness and defence. Poland Bigger budget: Yes. Warsaw says the EU's financial ambitions should be 'significantly higher than before,' according to a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Lean yes. Poland supports the debate on new EU-level revenue sources, but insists on expanding the budget rather than replacing existing funding. This also must not overly burden less affluent countries. National envelopes: No. CAP should keep its own dedicated budget, based on its 'well-established and proven' two-pillar structure. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. Some inspiration can be taken from the EU's Covid recovery loan, but must have a 'thematically closer link' to the cash, and reforms 'should not contribute to excessive centralisation and merging of instruments.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. The share of the budget allocated to CAP and cohesion should not be reduced. Portugal Bigger budget: Yes. The EU budget must go 'well beyond the current GNI threshold,' according to a Portuguese position paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Yes. New EU-level revenue is 'vital' to relieve pressure on the spending side of the budget. National envelopes: No. 'Cohesion and CAP funds should remain autonomous,' the paper reads, with CAP 'built upon its two-pillar structure.' Reform-for-cash: No. Portugal wants to keep core cohesion principles. CAP/Cohesion cuts? No. Portugal defends CAP and cohesion as crucial for the EU project. Romania Bigger budget: No position. New own resources: No position. National envelopes and reform-for-cash: Lean no. Romania is among the 14 countries that rallied against making regional funding conditional on national reforms in early July. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No position. Romania did not respond to Euractiv's request for comments. Slovakia Bigger budget: No position Own resources: No position National envelopes: No. 'It is essential to maintain a dedicated EU cohesion policy' and 'we fundamentally reject the centralisation of EU cohesion policy,' reads a Slovak position paper on cohesion policy seen by Euractiv. Reform-for-cash: Yes. Slovakia 'supports the modernisation of EU cohesion policy' and "strengthening the link between cohesion policy and the European Semester," an EU framework for coordinating economic and social policies. CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. Cohesion should remain a "major European investment policy with an adequate budget" Slovenia Bigger budget: Yes. Slovenia wants a budget 'comparable in size' to the current budget and the €650 billion Covid loan combined, reads a position paper seen by Euractiv. Own resources: Yes. 'All possible options should be explored,' the paper reads. National envelopes: No. 'Specificities of individual thematic areas included in the programme should be recognised.' Reform-for-cash: Lean no. 'Subsidiarity and Member States' ownership of the reforms should be ensured.' CAP/Cohesion cuts: No. The next MFF should ensure that CAP and cohesion funds have 'comparable levels of financing'. Spain Bigger budget: Yes. The EU budget should be 'at least 2% of the EU's annual GDP,' reads a Spanish non-paper, dated February, seen by Euractiv. New own resources: Yes. Spain supports new 'genuine' EU own resources, meaning that they should contribute to increasing the budget rather than replacing direct contributions. National envelopes: Lean no. National envelopes encompassing a number of EU policies 'may not be the most effective way to achieve a simpler and more focused budget', and CAP should maintain its two-pillar structure. Reform-for-cash: No position. CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean no. Spain 'firmly believes in the importance of Cohesion' and CAP must have a 'sufficient and adequate' budget. Sweden Bigger budget: No. Sweden's budget restrictive stance remains firm: 'The EU budget as a share of GNI for regular expenditure should continue to be around 1%,' reads a non-paper seen by Euractiv. New own resources: No. Sweden sees no need for – and is critical of – new EU-level resources. National envelopes: Lean yes. Stockholm wants the EU budget to have a simpler structure and fewer thematic areas and programmes. Reform-for-cash: Lean yes. ' Sweden supports, in principle, an implementation model based on performance-based budgeting.' CAP/Cohesion cuts? Lean yes. 'Investments in existing or new areas need to be matched by cuts in other areas.' Eddy Wax, Nicoletta Ionta, Charles Szumski, Aurélie Pugnet, and Barbara Zmušková contributed to reporting. (mm)
Zawya
05-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Eritrean Nationals Celebrate Independence Day Anniversary
Eritrean nationals in Saudi Arabia, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand have colorfully celebrated the 34th Independence Day anniversary under the theme 'Our Cohesion – Our Armour.' The celebratory event in Dammam, held on 30 May, was attended by Ms. Weini Gerezgihier, Chargé d'Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Saudi Arabia; Mr. Gebremeskel Kidane, Chairman of the Eritrean Community in Dammam; and Ms. Abrehet Minasie, Chairperson of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the city, along with a number of nationals. The event featured various cultural and artistic programs. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Weini emphasized the deep meaning of the theme of this year's Independence Day anniversary, stating that with committed leadership, a united people, and a dedicated Defense Force, Eritrea, just as it did in achieving independence and safeguarding sovereignty, will emerge victorious in national development endeavors. The 34th Independence Day anniversary was also enthusiastically celebrated across British cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Leicester, Nottingham, Coventry, Newcastle, Wakefield, Bristol, Southampton, Cardiff, and Dublin. The London event was attended by over 50 government and country representatives, diplomats, friends of Eritrea, officials from the UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a large number of Eritrean nationals. Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Mahmud, Chairman of the Eritrean National Committee, and Mr. Saleh Abdella, Chargé d'Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, congratulated the people, Government, and Eritrean Defense Forces. They noted that this year's anniversary showcased the profound love Eritreans have for their country and flag. Likewise, Eritrean communities in the German cities of Munich, Lörrach-Waldshut, Fulda, Bergstrasse, Bremen, Wiesbaden, Rosenheim, Augsburg, and Kaufbeuren celebrated the occasion with cultural and artistic performances reflecting the spirit of the day. In Australia, nationals in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, as well as in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand, marked the anniversary with patriotic fervor. At the Melbourne event, Mr. Kidane Ginbot, Chairman of the Eritrean Community, and Mr. Mehari Tekeste, Eritrea's Consul General, delivered speeches highlighting the heavy sacrifices made for independence and the responsibilities it shoulders to the Eritrean people. Ms. Jill Morgan, representing the Victoria Council, remarked that witnessing the love Eritreans have for their country does not require traveling to Eritrea. She praised their unity and deep attachment to their homeland. Eritrean nationals in the French cities of Lyon and Saint-Nazaire also celebrated the 34th Independence Day anniversary with enthusiasm. At the events, participants expressed readiness to play their part in national development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
