The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have called for an EU budget for next year that works for economic recovery with strong social elements that benefit the most vulnerable citizens and the small and medium enterprises that are the backbone of the EU economy. The S&D Group also believes the EU budget for next year should take into consideration the human tragedy of the Ukrainian refugees seeking protection in the EU.  
 
Victor Negrescu MEP, S&D negotiator on the guidelines for the EU budget for 2023, said:
 
“We called for a 2023 European Budget that rises to the challenges created by the recent pandemic and the war in Ukraine, while maintaining funding for our long-standing key priorities and reinforcing the EU’s resilience and common values. We need a common European answer to the energy crisis, rising inflation, the increasing prices for agricultural goods and the economic and social effects of the pandemic and the war. We have to reduce our dependency on Russian natural resources, help the countries on the frontline and provide solutions to the global and humanitarian challenges. It was our political group that pushed for all these issues to be integrated in the European Parliament’s guidelines for the 2023 budget and we expect to see them addressed in next year’s budget. We therefore call on the European Commission and the European Council to rise to the occasion and propose an ambitious budget for 2023.”
 
Eider Gardiazabal Rubial MEP, S&D spokesperson on budgetary issues, said:
 
"The Union’s budget for 2023 cannot be business as usual. We have immense challenges in front of us, amplified by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. We therefore need a budget that will allow us to continue supporting Ukraine, provide direly needed humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the war, help neighbouring countries welcoming refugees and fight against the inequalities and poverty increasing within our Union as a result of the sky-high energy prices and high inflation. The war in Ukraine also showcases the absolute urgency of investing in a socially inclusive green and digital transition, to limit our energy dependence on Russia and ensure food security for all. Building a sustainable, resilient and democratic future for our Union and our neighbourhood starts now and the 2023 budget needs to reflect this aspiration."
 
The report on the 2023 Budget Guidelines - Section III sets out the main political priorities of the European Parliament for the 2023 EU budget. The members of the European Parliament vote on this report as a political message to the European Commission on what the European Union should focus its budget on next year.