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Ministers responsible for European affairs met in Brussels to hear a presentation by the Commission on its first package of proposals on the EU’s post-2027 long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework, MFF) and held a policy debate.The Council also discussed the request by Spain to include Catalan, Basque and Galician among the EU’s official languages.
I am very pleased that the Commission has now presented its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework, and with the engaging first discussion in the General Affairs Council today. The next multiannual financial framework must respond to the challenges we face now and in the years ahead - status quo is not an option. We need to set an ambitious and responsible course for Europe – a strong, resilient, and competitive EU. This also requires a new approach to the EU budget. There is plenty to discuss, and it is important that we make as much progress as possible if we are to avoid delays and be ready to put a new, effective and modern EU budget to work from 2028.
Marie Bjerre, Minister for European affairs of Denmark
EU’s post-2027 long-term budget (MFF)
The Commission presented to the Council its first and main package of proposals on the EU’s long-term budget (MFF) for 2028-2034 amounting to almost €2 trillion and ministers held an initial exchange of views.The Commission stressed that more flexibility across the budget would enable the EU to act – and react – fast when circumstances change unexpectedly or when new policy priorities need to be addressed. The proposal also includes simpler, more streamlined and harmonised financial programmes, so that citizens and companies can easily find and access funding opportunities. The proposed budget is tailored to local needs, with National and Regional Partnership Plans for targeted impact where it matters most, for investments and reforms in line with EU objectives, and ensuring support for more economic, social and territorial cohesion across the EU. Furthermore, a new Competitiveness Fund is proposed for Europe to secure supply chains, scale-up innovation and lead the global race for clean and smart technology. Finally, the Commission proposes a package of new own resources aiming to ensure adequate revenues for EU’s priorities while minimising pressure on national public finances.
The ensuing exchange of views between ministers marked the beginning of the discussions in the Council on the new MFF. Regular discussions in the General Affairs Council (GAC) will take place during the Danish presidency with a view to ensuring as much progress as possible to guide further negotiations on the proposal. The presidency’s intention is therefore to come back to GAC for a second more in-depth discussion on the new MFF in October.
The Council discussed the request by Spain to include Catalan, Basque and Galician among the EU’s official languages. Ministers held a constructive exchange of views and decided to continue working on the Spanish request to amend regulation No 1/1958, which governs the EU’s language regime. The General Affairs Council will remain seized of the matter.
Any other business
The Council took note of the information provided by the Danish presidency on how the simplification agenda will be reflected in the agendas of different Council formations, notably the General Affairs Council, the Economic and Financial Affairs Council and the Competitiveness Council.
Other items
The Council adopted without discussion the 18th package of economic and individual measures with regard to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Council adopted also without discussion the following legislative acts:
an amendment to the VAT directive to incentivise third-country suppliers and platforms to use the VAT import one-stop-shop, which facilitates VAT collection and improve compliance
an amendment to the regulation on obligations of economic operators concerning batterydue diligence policies, as part of the ‘Omnibus IV’ simplification package,
the regulation on a progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exitdigital border management system (EES), and
an amendment to the gas storage regulation to safeguard EU’s winter gas supply
