In October, MEP Victor Negrescu had a meeting with the European Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, where the agenda included the European Union’s financial perspectives and the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

The dialogue between Negrescu and Gentiloni, both members of the Party of European Socialists, also took place in the context of the Romanian MEP being responsible for the S&D group in the European Parliament for the EU budget in 2024.

Discussions have also started at EU level to revise the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and adapt it to new priorities, such as support to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, migration management, EU response to natural disasters and competitiveness. Moreover, the European Parliament has included in its negotiating position for next year’s EU budget all Victor Negrescu’s amendments concerning the allocation of funds for border protection, the development of the civil protection mechanism, essential in disaster management, support for young farmers and vulnerable groups, support for the Republic of Moldova and assistance for funding programmes related to the Danube transport sector or in the border regions with Ukraine.

On Romania’s economic situation, the Romanian MEP told Commissioner Gentiloni that the country “is still experiencing significant economic growth compared to the European average, but Romania’s potential is limited due to the fact that during the right-wing government in 2019 we entered the excessive deficit procedure”.

At the same time, the Romanian representative in the European Parliament pointed out that the efforts made by the government in Bucharest to implement the NRDP are recognised in Brussels, as he mentioned that Romania has received more than €2.7 billion from the NRDP, being among the few Member States that have completed the second payment request.

“It is obvious to European partners that Romania needs reforms and fiscal measures to ensure a balance between capital and labour, between high- and low-income earners, and between large companies and SMEs. It is through dialogue that we are taking Romania forward!” concluded MEP Victor Negrescu.