Opening remarks by Commissioner Serafin during the European Parliament plenary debate – an ambitious multiannual financial framework 2028-2034 for a strong and resilient Europe

Honourable members, dear Minister Byrne,

More than a year ago, the Commission has put forward its proposal for the next MFF.

We have proposed a budget that reflects the challenges Europe faces today, in particular when it comes to competitiveness, defence and security.

We have proposed a budget that preserves the space we need to respond to the unknowns of tomorrow.

A budget that continues to support treaty based long-standing policies because they also contribute to competitiveness and security.

Last but not least, we have proposed a budget that is financed – to a substantial extent - through new own resources. And here, I would like to thank the European Parliament for your constant support. You have also pushed for new options and, importantly, you have continued to make the case for a budget that have solid sources of funding,  

The “modernisation” was not achieved simply by adding new bills to old ones. We have focused on those challenges that a single Member State often cannot address alone. On things that have the biggest European added value – with the lowest possible bill. 

Some capitals continue to look at the EU budget like accountants look at balance sheets: how much do I put in, and how much do I get out?

This approach was misguided in the past – but with our modern budget it is entirely flawed.

Because ultimately, the Union budget cannot be captured by a simple “juste retour logic”. Our budget addresses common challenges. Challenges that cannot be addressed by single Member State alone.

Even if each single Member State were to try to shoulder these challenges in isolation, the bill would most likely be much higher. By addressing those challenges together, we are exploiting economy of scale and synergies.