The Socialists and Democrats cannot greenlight the proposed budget as it does not serve the interests of Europeans. The size is not fit to face the EU’s current challenges.

Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group, said:

“We cannot do more with less. Any idea to make access to EU funding conditional on austerity measures is a no-go for us. We all remember the disastrous long-term effect it had on our 27 economies and societies 15 years ago. That is why the proposal put on the table today cannot receive our support as it is not in the interest of the people and it needs serious improvement.

“The concept of the proposed 'national and regional partnership plans' is a clear setback on European common interest as it leads towards the renationalisation of the EU pluriannual budget. This will have a devastating impact on the ability of the European Union to deliver on common goals.

“Furthermore, the Common Agricultural Policy and the Cohesion Policy have always been the core identity of the EU. Their proposed merger into one single national envelope is a major blow to the European project and its ability to prove to all Europeans that the EU project works for them. This happens at a time when we have so many disparities throughout Europe with pressing social problems to solve, and in times when food production is an integral part of the national security of all Member States.

“While we reject the proposed overall governance model and architecture of this MFF proposal, we also recognise that some of our key demands have been taken on board. Among them are the recognised need to invest in housing; the obligation for Member States to spend more of their allocated money for social objectives; the earmarked funding for climate targets and the creation of a permanent instrument for crises.

“Our long-standing and persistent calls for fair taxation has finally been heard by the European Commission. We believe big corporations have to pay fair taxes and contribute to the European budget as part of a system of new and genuine own resources.

“Finally, one thing must be clear; the next MFF cannot become a reality if the basic democratic rules are not respected. The EP has a key role to play in the negotiations on the MFF, its management and budgetary control. Only if this is ensured, can the Commission count on us as a valuable partner. For us it is clear - any future budget must serve the interest of our European citizens."