The European Commission has unveiled today its proposal for the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework. Commenting on the proposal, Valeria Ronzitti, CEEP General Secretary, said:

“The European Commission proposed today a pragmatic approach on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027. It was important to immediately show a way forward focusing on key political priorities, in order to make it possible and realistic for the MFF to be approved before the European elections in May 2019.”
 
“Reinforcing the Economic and Monetary Union is a key priority of the upcoming funding period. Therefore, we welcome the inclusion in the proposal of the new European Investment Stabilisation Function which should protect key investment for the future.
The future Reform Support Programme should also bring a clear added value, helping Member States in developing and implementing balanced economic and social reforms.”
 
“However, we are concerned about the proposed cuts to Cohesion Policy. While modernisation and conditionalities should help to increase the value for money, we believe this effort could be made without cuts. We count on the Council and the European Parliament to bring back growth and competitiveness in Europe by promoting a “smart” approach to Cohesion Policy. This would clearly show citizens that Europe is there for them.”
 
 

CEEP will further analyse the proposal tabled by the European Commission ahead of the sector-specific proposals. The Commission should pay particular attention to the crucial needs in terms of investments in social and physical infrastructures with a clear EU added value.
Above all, and as stated in the March 2018 Social Partners’ joint statement, we support the Commission when it calls on the Council and the European Parliament to swiftly reach an agreement to ensure political continuity for EU priorities.

For further information, please contact:
Maxime STAELENS, Communication Officer
Email: maxime.staelens@ceep.eu
Tel.: + 32(0) 2 229 21 40
Website: www.ceep.eu