Brussels, 06/02/2013
Unfortunately it seems easier for the European Council to adopt austerity plans than to adopt a satisfactory Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2014-2020.
Like the European Parliament, ETUC insists that a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must be based on a compromise but also on a “fair deal”. In times of crisis and high unemployment rates the EU budget should not be reduced.
In the new proposal the cohesion policy seems to be preserved; but this is a smokescreen since the previous Council’s compromise had already substantially cut cohesion funds.
ETUC welcomes the President’s proposal for “a new youth employment initiative with a substantial amount of money”; but this will not come through if it is not supported by an adequate EU budget.
The EU budget is an essential tool to contribute to economic recovery in the current crisis. MFF and structural funds are key to achieve higher economic and social standards.
The European Council has to give a positive signal and adopt a budget for the period 2014-2020 coherent with the ambitions fixed by Member States and the objectives targeted in the 2020 Strategy.