Brussels/Strasbourg – On September 10, Members of the European Parliament (EP) discussed the member states’ recently agreed stance on the EU budget proposal for the upcoming year. MEP Lucia Yar (RE/PS), the sole Slovak representative in the EP Budget Committee, informed a TASR reporter that the European Parliament is advocating for a more ambitious execution of EU policies compared to the member states’ proposals.
The MEP, who serves as the vice-chair of the Budget Committee for the centrist Renew Europe group, highlighted that EU Council governments typically prepare the budget by making cuts to the European Commission’s original proposal, primarily affecting social programs and education funding.
“However, we in the European Parliament are fighting for a more ambitious EU budget”
“However, we in the European Parliament are fighting for a more ambitious EU budget that will support young people, students, and research, thus securing Europe’s future. We will not permit cuts to impact programs like Erasmus+, which are vital for a unified Europe,” stated Lucia Yar.
As vice-chair of the Budget Committee, she advocates for a substantial increase in the budget to bolster future generations and innovation. The EP aims to allocate approximately 5.1 billion euros for the Erasmus+ program, which would greatly increase the participation of young people in mobility and educational initiatives. She also noted that the Horizon Europe program, targeted for cuts by the EU Council, is essential for Europe’s competitiveness.
“As a Slovak MEP, I firmly believe: we must invest in people, education, and the future of our youth. The Erasmus+ program is not merely about studying abroad; it is an investment in cultural understanding and the competitiveness of our youth. We will not accept cuts that would limit opportunities for students and young individuals. Additionally, investment in research and innovation is crucial for the prosperity of Slovakia and all of Europe,” she elaborated.
She added that discussions with member states regarding next year’s EU budget will commence this fall, aiming for a fair compromise that meets the needs of young people and regional development, including in Slovakia.
The Commission announced in early June that it set the EU budget for 2026 at 193.26 billion euros, with an estimated 105.32 billion euros to be added through the Next Generation EU recovery plan. (September 11)
“As a Slovak MEP, I take a clear stance: we must invest in people, in education, and in the future of our young generation.” Lucia Yar
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