Brussels – On Wednesday (November 12), President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen expressed a willingness to make concessions regarding the proposal for the EU’s long-term budget for 2028-2034 during a plenary session of the European Parliament (EP). Slovak MEPs from various political parties conveyed to TASR that these concessions fall short.
Lucia Yar (RE/PS) emphasized that the EP has maintained a unified stance on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) proposal since its inception, criticizing the European Commission for neglecting regional needs and granting excessive authority to national governments. “From my perspective, it is not ambitious enough. There are many priorities but limited funding. We want resources to reach the areas where they are most needed, which was overlooked in the Commission’s initial proposal. The Parliament is advocating for this; while some concessions have been made, they remain relatively modest,” she stated.
As Vice-Chair of the EP Budget Committee, she noted she will participate in negotiations to secure as much funding as possible for the regions, aiming to ensure better access to funds rather than allowing national governments to receive large sums without proper distribution, “so that the EU does not merely become a conduit for national priorities.”
Katarína Roth Neveďalová (independent/Smer-SD) acknowledged the EC’s pledge for a 10% increase in the agricultural budget, albeit without disclosing the funding source. She expressed concern about the EC’s attempts to circumvent the EP in budget co-decision-making since significant funds could be tied up in areas decided solely by the EC. “The Commission intends to consolidate existing funds, like those for globalization adaptation and solidarity, into a single fund that it would control without EP involvement,” she explained. She warned that this could jeopardize the integration of various aid and humanitarian funds. “One of our major objections is that the Commission is increasingly centralizing budget powers,” she asserted.
Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH) remarked that the EPP group in the EP has called for substantial concessions, advocating against centralization and excessive decision-making power for the Commission. “It is crucial that regions, cities, and municipalities have a stronger voice. When funds are directed to these areas, they are utilized and invested more efficiently. I support this approach,” she said. Lexmann indicated that the Commission’s steps thus far are minor and inadequate. Members are pushing for a budget increase for farmers and arguing that the MFF should focus exclusively on areas within EU competence, such as economic growth, business support, competitiveness, and addressing poverty and security, rather than being diverted to various ideological topics.
Branislav Ondruš (independent/Hlas-SD) expressed that EC President’s speech did not alleviate his concerns regarding the future MFF, particularly regarding the budget allocation for defense. He criticized the “astronomical rise in military spending,” arguing it contradicts the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, as public funds are being converted into profits for private corporations. He contends that the EC is falling behind on proposals that would ensure corporations share a portion of their profits for employee benefits, including wage increases, and that such companies should be compelled to allocate part of their earnings through public contracts or subsidies to enhance social policies. Ondruš remains apprehensive about the allocation of EU funds for regional development, fearing reduced resources for farmers, especially from Eastern European member states. “I am uncertain whether allocations for the European Social Fund or the Erasmus+ program will be cut,” he described the current situation. (November 13)
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