European Parliament Committee's give greenlight to deals on the MFF, Ukraine Facility and STEP
Author: Linda Aziz-Rohlje
Date:
Renew Europe welcomes today’s votes in Parliamentary Committees endorsing the negotiated deals with the Council on the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Ukraine Facility and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) in the European Parliament.
President of Renew Europe, Valérie Hayer, who represented the Group in the MFF and STEP negotiations, says:
“Since 2021, Europe has been experiencing a number of jolts. They have put unprecedented pressure on our budget. To protect Europeans in a world in crisis, further enhance our strategic autonomy and make a success of the green and digital transition, it is imperative to strengthen Europe's resources. This is what we have managed to negotiate with the Council. This vote is an important first step towards achieving this goal.”
It has been vital for Renew Europe that the revised MFF included a fund dedicated to Ukraine’s support and recovery, as well as more resources to respond to natural disasters and emergency situations in Europe in for example conflict areas and migratory movements. It has been imperative for the Group that the long-term budget has increased and that there is more flexibility and means for the repayment of the debts of the Union without jeopardising the implementation of key EU programmes.
Renew Europe welcomes that the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, STEP, is secured albeit with limited funding and reinforcement only for defence. We continue to repeat our call for the establishment of a much-needed dedicated Sovereignty Fund in the MFF in order to secure a truly European future for our industries.
We are also pleased to have secured enhanced accession funding for the Western Balkans. Concerning the Ukraine Facility, Renew Europe insisted on a clear involvement of the Verkhovna Rada in the arrangements and timetable of the monitoring and implementation of the Ukraine Plan. We advocated for clear procedures to make access to funding easier for local NGOs and local authorities, while pressing for anti-corruption measures, so that the money reaches the people most affected by the war and that infrastructure gets rebuilt.
Renew Europe MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Lithuanian Liberal Movement), shadow rapporteur on Ukraine Facility in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, says:
"Ukraine's difficult economic situation caused by Russia's war of aggression and the need to start preparing for Ukraine's economic transformation require unique solutions. The Ukraine Facility is such a solution and confirms the EU's honourable commitment to be a strong partner for Ukraine."
