Von der Leyen Adjusts EU Budget Proposal in Response to Parliamentary Opposition

The European Commission, under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen, has presented amendments to its proposed long-term budget following significant criticism from the European Parliament. With the Commission seeking to allocate approximately two trillion euros for the next multi-year financial framework, the proposal is set to surpass previous budgetary periods by around 700 billion euros.

The revised financial plan, intended to cover the period from 2028 to 2034, seeks to address mounting concerns from both parliamentarians and regional representatives. Key modifications include increasing the decision-making influence of regional bodies, introducing potential guarantees for the agricultural sector, and enhancing the European Parliament's involvement in the allocation of funding from the EU budget.

Addressing Regional and Agricultural Concerns

One of the central points of contention originates from the planned restructuring of EU funding streams. The Commission's proposal suggests consolidating several funds dedicated to agricultural policy and regional development into a single, broader financial instrument. Critics within the European Parliament argue that this could reduce the distinct focus and security traditionally afforded to each area, potentially impacting targeted support for less-developed regions and the agricultural sector.

To mitigate these concerns, the Commission has suggested reserving a fixed portion of the budget for the development of rural regions, alongside the existing allocations for common agricultural policy. This measure aims to reassure both regional governments and agricultural stakeholders that their interests will remain protected under the new financial structure.

Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight

Another significant aspect of the amendments involves expanding the European Parliament's role in the budget approval and modification process. Members of Parliament have expressed apprehension over their perceived lack of influence, particularly regarding the planning and execution of national funding strategies.

Under the revised framework, Parliament would have greater participation in reviewing and authorizing both initial and amended national plans for EU fund allocation. This move is designed to ensure broader consensus and transparency within the budgetary process, while also preventing unilateral decisions by national governments without parliamentary scrutiny.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

The adoption of the multi-annual financial framework requires unanimous agreement among all EU member states, as well as the approval of the European Parliament. Without a majority in Parliament, the budget proposal cannot proceed. To facilitate consensus, President von der Leyen has invited key representatives, including Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, who currently holds the rotating EU Council presidency, to a high-level meeting aimed at resolving outstanding issues.

The Commission's outreach reflects ongoing efforts to harmonize the interests of member states, parliamentary factions, and regional stakeholders. The negotiations remain crucial for the EU's future capacity to fund policy priorities, including economic development, agricultural support, and regional cohesion across the continent.

The forthcoming discussions are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final structure of the EU's next long-term budget and ensuring the cooperation required for its adoption.