MEP Victor Negrescu, who recently authored a request to the President of the European Commission on the calculation methods of the budget deficit in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine, has announced that he will initiate new initiatives at the European Parliament level to help manage the effects of the conflict triggered by the Russian Federation.

In mid-August, the member of the European Parliament submitted a proposal to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to eliminate from the budget deficit calculation the expenditure related to logistical, humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

“A common European solution needs to be found,” the MEP added, noting that he is working on new initiatives, including an amendment to the European budget for 2024 to include this provision in next year’s budget.

According to the Romanian MEP, “everyone knows that there are several European countries that have difficulties in meeting the requirements” of the deficit target.

In this respect, he warns that “around 15 EU Member States would find themselves in the excessive deficit procedure as soon as the temporary suspension procedure is lifted”.

He also reasoned that introducing such temporary flexibility in the current financial framework would give EU countries that are helping greater budgetary leverage to continue and extend much-needed support to Ukraine and Moldova.

MEP Victor Negrescu has already made similar approaches, succeeding in mobilising the support of the European Commission and securing the rapid adoption of the temporary protection framework for Ukrainian refugees and the flexibilization of the European regulations on the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.