[PIO] Intervention of Mrs. Savia Orphanidou, Member of Parliament, in the framework of the European Parliamentary Week, in Brussels

The European Parliament Week, co-organised by the European Parliament (EP) and the current Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), started today in Brussels on 12 and 13 February 2024.

The budget and the prospect of EU enlargement were discussed in the framework of the work of the EP Budgets Committee. The member of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance and Budget, Mrs Savia Orphanidou, made the following intervention.

"The EU budget is the driving force behind European integration, reflecting the ambitious priorities and objectives of the Union. Enlargement is the Union's most important instrument for extroversion and strategic investment in economic consolidation, democratisation and the consolidation of its fundamental principles and values in the candidate countries.

Beyond the application of the economic criteria of enlargement, I would like to stress the need to fully align all candidate countries with the priorities of the Union's common foreign policy, as well as with the sanctions and restrictive measures against third countries.

However, it should not be overlooked that the deepening of the Union is equally important, as it is a prerequisite for successful enlargement. Therefore, the reform of the Union's financial rules and regulatory framework is crucial in order for enlargement to be achieved smoothly without shocks and for it to be to the mutual benefit of both existing and new members without jeopardising the progress and prosperity of European citizens as a whole.

It is estimated that enlargement will increase the demand for new own resources to cover the additional expenditure of the Union, in particular with regard to the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy. In this context, the current context for negotiating new rules for Cohesion Policy, the Common Agricultural Policy and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) should be used to ensure that Europe's existing regions are not affected. In conclusion, I would like to point out that more Europe, unity, a common vision and strong political will among the European partners are needed in order for the Union to complete all the necessary reforms in time. Let's be honest, the Community budget must be increased much more than the current level of 1% of Community GDP. We need reforms that will enable the Union to respond adequately to the prospect of enlargement, to emerging challenges, to repay its debt under the NGEU programme and to achieve its ambitious objectives in the light of the green transition and digital transformation."

(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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