Bulgaria’s Economic and Social Council does not support the reduction in the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034 proposed by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The proposed 8% cut to the EU budget would jeopardize the Union’s ability to respond sustainably, adequately and consistently to growing economic, social and geopolitical challenges, the Council says in a statement, reflecting the consensus of employer organizations, trade unions and civil society organizations on the future of the European budget.
The Council calls for accelerating negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget and preserving Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy as key pillars of European funding. According to the Council, any potential cuts should be targeted and proportionate rather than across the board.
The statement also opposes the proposed 13% reduction in the European Competitiveness Fund, the nearly 10% cut to the Horizon Europe programme and the 14% reduction in the Connecting Europe Facility. The ESC warns that cuts to the latter could undermine economic security amid the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
The Council objects to reductions in funding for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy and calls for a separate budget for rural development. It also proposes that the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) remain a standalone instrument supporting employment, social inclusion and skills development, with its funding preserved.
The Council does not support the proposed new own resources based on the EU Emissions Trading System and excise duties on tobacco products, arguing that they would impose a disproportionately heavy financial burden on smaller Member States, including Bulgaria. The Council also insists on retaining the N+3 rule for the absorption of EU funds instead of the proposed N+1 rule.
The Council supports the inclusion of the Social Climate Plan and the option for Member States to decide independently whether to transfer funds from the Social Climate Fund to national and regional partnership plans. The Council also calls for a review of the ETS2 system and the postponement of its introduction until 2030 at the earliest, as well as a delay in implementing the requirements of the Methane Emissions Regulation.
The Council emphasizes the need for targeted support for regions along the EU’s eastern border, including the Black Sea region, in view of the unstable geopolitical situation.
Ireland, which holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, last week proposed reducing the future Multiannual Financial Framework by approximately EUR 140 billion compared with the European Commission’s original proposal for a budget of nearly EUR 1.985 trillion. The proposed reductions would primarily affect funding for competitiveness and development.
However, the compromise failed to satisfy Germany and a group of countries that continue to demand substantial cuts, while also provoking dissatisfaction among countries such as France, which advocate an “ambitious” multiannual budget framework.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for significant reductions in the EU’s future budget.
In contrast to Berlin’s position, France believes that substantial “new own resources” are needed to generate additional revenue for the EU’s future budget. This is an “absolutely essential condition” for reaching an agreement, the Élysée Palace said in a statement on the issue on Wednesday.
Bulgaria’s Economic and Social Council Opposes Proposed Cuts to EU Budget THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-17 09:03:29
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