Commission backs timely MFF deal, defends 2028-2034 budget

• Serafin said the Commission proposed the next MFF more than a year ago.
• He said the budget reflects competitiveness, defence and security priorities.
• He said the plan is financed to a substantial extent through new own resources.
• The Commission is assisting the Irish presidency on preparation of the negobox.

Commissioner Serafin urged co-legislators to reach a timely agreement on the next multiannual financial framework. He said the Commission proposed the 2028-2034 budget more than a year ago and will keep defending the plan.

Commission backs timely MFF deal, defends 2028-2034 budget

Budget priorities

Serafin said the proposal reflects the challenges Europe faces today, especially competitiveness, defence and security. He said it also preserves room to respond to unknowns ahead.

He said the budget continues to support treaty-based long-standing policies, which he said also contribute to competitiveness and security. He added that the plan is financed to a substantial extent through new own resources.

Political case

Serafin thanked the European Parliament for its support on new funding options. He said the Parliament had continued to make the case for a budget with solid sources of funding.

He said the Commission had focused on challenges a single member state often cannot address alone. In his view, the Union budget cannot be reduced to a simple juste retour logic.

The Commission will continue to accompany the Parliament and Council along the process, Serafin said. He added that it is assisting the Irish presidency with preparation of the negobox.