MEP Victor Negrescu has called  for a reform of the EU long-term budget to respond more effectively to evolving needs, such as the energy crisis, social and regional disparities or high inflation, and to address funding gaps.

In his intervention in the European Parliament, met in plenary session on 12-15 December, he raised the need for greater annual budgetary flexibility for the EU and for new own resources.

”We have to make sure that the current EU programmes are functioning properly, so therefore beneficiaries of EU funds from programmes like Erasmus+, the Creative Europe Programme or the European Solidarity Corps, but also from structural funds, are waiting for us to provide the solutions to continue to implement their projects”, stressed Victor Negrescu, rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education.

From his point of view, the current crisis demands unity and solidarity among EU Member States, putting citizens at the heart of actions to help them cope with rising living costs and access to quality health services and education.

”We need to be fair and open about what needs to happen. Transparency and fighting against corruption are key elements”, highlighted the social democratic MEP the guiding principles.

According to previous statements of the European Commission, an ”ambitious review” of the Multiannual Financial Framework is expected in the second part of 2023, given that ”the unforeseen needs created by the war in Europe far exceed the means available under the current Multiannual Financial Framework”.

MEP Victor Negrescu has given promises that he will do his utmost in the European Parliament and in the Committee on Budgets, of which he is a member, to ensure that Romania benefits from as many funding opportunities as possible through European funds.