During the plenary session (10-13 February 2020) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate prior to the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial Framework. Statements by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), Dacian CIOLOŞ (RE, RO) and Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE).

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

WEBER, Manfred (EPP, DE)

LAMBERTS, Philippe (Greens/EFA, BE)

GARCÍA PÉREZ, Iratxe (S&D, ES)

CIOLOŞ, Dacian (Renew, RO)

Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 (T)

extraordinary meeting of the European Council 20 February 2020 (T)

Preparation of the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial Framework: extracts from the debate

Title:  Preparation of the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 20 February 2020 on the Multiannual Financial Framework: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (German), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), From the for the EPP and budget control. It's about the possible limiting for individuals. If somebody gets big amounts from the EU budget, can't be right with we're talking about a sort of anti-oligarch law in the EU and a little too much money shouldn't end up with one hand. Second hand is that existing money should be defended and invested well. Farmers need support in global competition. Rural regions need support in globalization. Regional support means that Europe grows together. That's important. And solidarity is necessary in research. And Erasmus, that's all about European added value.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Iratxe GARC&#205;A P&#201;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), Europe has to start a transformation. We have to be the leaders in sustainability around the world. We want to see a transformation in economic, environmental and social areas. And we need to have the necessary budget. We all know that. And the council knows it to. We can only do this if we have the means available to carry through with our aims. The commission proposal is very reasonable. And one point three percent of GNP and more additional resources for new policies that are going to have to be enacted, such as dealing with a fair transition.

SOUNDBITE (French), Dacian CIOLO&#350; (RE, RO), Europe isn't just about commitments. We take political commitments over the years. But we need guarantees that these commitments are tangible for citizens. And the adoption of a budget means that we show our determination to act together when we put together our ambitions in politics and the budget that will be credible. The climate change is tangible and requires some solutions. Also, the digital transformation. But we also need to modernize our CAP under cohesion policy. All that means we have urgent action from the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), I think it's important to ensure coherence for all the EU budget and that it's in line with the transition policy. With our environmental goals. And I would agree with what Mr. Raber said almost 100 percent, but not on agricultural policy. The goal of the GOP is not to help our farmers face up to other farming businesses around the world, but to face up to the green transition. The same is true for our research programs, for example. Everything has to be focussed on this effort.