National MPs from across Europe join MEPs to discuss the EU’s economic future, tax policy, digitalisation and economic governance in the EP in Brussels. MEPs exchange views on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Statements by Günther OETTINGER, Member of the EC in charge of Budget and Human Resources, Jan OLBRYCHT (EPP, PL) and Isabelle THOMAS (S&D, FR), rapporteur.

Brussels

exchange of views

THOMAS, Isabelle (S&D, FR)

OETTINGER, Günther (DE, EC)

interparliamentary conference

OLBRYCHT, Jan (EPP, PL)

European Semester (T)

European Parliamentary Week (T)

Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 (T)

European Parliamentary Week 2018 - European Semester Conference - The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): extracts from the exchange of views

SOUNDBITE (German), G&#252;nther OETTINGER, European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, For the Brexit funding gap we propose that 50 per cent should be found through savings in our existing budgets structure, 50 per cent. And 50 per cent should be fresh money coming from the 27 EU member states. With the obligations that lead to payments, which we must continue to follow in the interest of our citizens and the MS, we can realise them if they are financed. So let&rsquo;s say 80 fresh money, 20 per cent savings in the budget lines.

SOUNDBITE (German), G&#252;nther OETTINGER, European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, We can&rsquo;t avoid any cuts at the moment, therefore I want to prepare you, when the net contributor leaves then it is only logical that there are less presents under the Christmas tree, but simply make up for BREXIT through cuts would be the wrong approach. I want agriculture subsidies to exist, I want cohesion policies to exist and not to be damaged.

SOUNDBITE (German), G&#252;nther OETTINGER, European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, 10 per cent might be responsible, but 20 or 30 per cent would be too much. Remember that all regions across Europe can all apply to cohesion funds.

SOUNDBITE (German), G&#252;nther OETTINGER, Member of the EC in charge of Budget and Human Resources, I want 2 programs to continue, that is Erasmus + for the younger generation and Horizon post 2020, there are innovation capacity and the competitiveness of Europe. I don&rsquo;t want any cuts there, I want to have it increased.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jan OLBRYCHT (EPP, PL), rapporteur , In the European Parliament you have pro-European parties that would like to say we want to add money and you have Euro sceptical or even anti-European parties that will say, alright if we don&rsquo;t have money for the priorities let&rsquo;s cut the priorities, let&rsquo;s cut the competences of the EU, so I think this is a very though debate and it is the question what we want from European Union today.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jan OLBRYCHT (EPP, PL), We are asking the governments: Please be very clear. Not only for us, but for the European citizens, let&rsquo;s tell the people what we can expect from the EU, because if not, if we grow the expectation for the people and we don&rsquo;t do it the people will lose the trust in the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (French), Isabelle THOMAS (S&amp;D, FR), rapporteur , As far as we are concerned it is in the interest of the Member states to agree to keep the budget at least at its present level, when I say I mean that with the departure of the UK, as Mr Olbrycht said we need the 1.3 per cent of GNI, just to keep our traditional and classic policies, have the flagship policies increased: Erasmus, research and one or two others, and have new policies too and only by doing that, that we reach the 1.3 per cent.

SOUNDBITE (French), Isabelle THOMAS (S&amp;D, FR), There is only one solution to go back to the beginning of EU&rsquo;s budgetary thinking and get on board with the idea with own resources, that is why this Parliament decided and is going to vote and forge a link between post 2020MFF and a proposal on own resources.