On 25 May, the European Parliament (EP) Special Committee on the policy challenges and budgetary resources for a sustainable European Union after 2013 (SURE) adopted its draft proposal for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). MEPs advised the EU against freezing future budgets at the 2013 level, as this would seriously impact on the achievement of its policy aims that were outlined in the EU 2020 strategy, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In order for the Member States and the EP to meet their commitments, there should be an increase in funding of at least 5%, MEPs stressed, pointing out that such an increase would however only constitute a small contribution to achieving the aims agreed upon. It is generally feared that a budget freeze could endanger the already-agreed boost for research and innovation (from 1.9% of GDP to 3%), as well as investments in infrastructure, foreign policy priorities, enlargement and the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism.

The report also emphasises the importance for the Union and its member states to live up to their international development commitments, such as the MDGs, whose achievement will require “an appropriate overall level of development aid and funding”. Development aid provided by the EU should furthermore support the promotion of sustainable development in the receiving countries, which should be measured according to specific criteria that are to be developed, the report continues.

Accordingly, it is stressed that “the European Commission/EEAS should systematically assess the impact of the EU assistance, in order to improve the effectiveness of EU originating development aid as well as improving synergies between EU and national development aid”.

The provisions concerning the funding of development cooperation have been generally welcomed by European civil society organisations that have been actively involved in the amendment process.

With regards to the funding of the recently established European External Ashton Service (EEAS), Catherine Ashton’s proposal to increase spending by almost €30 million to €490 million next year, has been declared as “somewhat ludicrous” by British junior minister David Liddington, who fears that such a budget increase would constitute too much money and power for the service, compared to other areas.

The SURE committee’s MFF proposal is to be voted upon in plenary on 9 June, making the EP the first EU institution to determine its position on the next MFF, with the Commission expected to present its proposal on 29 June.

Sources:

• European Parliament - Press service
• European Parliament
• EUobserver