“At today’s meeting of the EU General Affairs Council, ahead of the European Council meeting on Friday, we talked via videoconference about the Commission’s proposal for the Recovery Plan and the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. In my remarks, I made it clear that the Recovery Plan, in combination with the readjusted European budget, should ensure that the economic support is sustainable, inclusive and fair for all the member states.
It is important that the Commission’s proposal for the Recovery Fund is based more on grants and less on loans, as otherwise it would exacerbate the debt crisis and jeopardise European cohesion.
I also highlighted that we are in an emergency situation and that we cannot waste any more time. The time has come for all the member states to make the necessary compromise to reach a political agreement, as soon as possible, and by July at the latest. Europe needs to become globally competitive, greener and more digital. It is encouraging that some 30% of the total resources of the MFF are oriented towards the goals of protecting the environment taking action on climate change.
However, we have to ensure that the readjusted European budget does not reduce funding for the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, as compared to the current MFF. More than ever before, today we have to make sure there are no dividing lines in Europe. With solidarity and a shared vision, we have to send the right message: that Europe is united and will meet its citizens’ expectations for a coordinated response to the crisis.”
June 16, 2020