EFA finds the new EU budget proposal still insufficient as it continues to shift the power from regions to states
After the Commission proposal on the EU budget failed to get enough supports due to centralisation concerns, the Commission has been working on a new version. For now, we only have a draft, not a formal proposal, but from the direction that is taking, EFA has a clear position: it is still insufficient!
While in EFA we acknowledge that the new draft is moving in the right direction, we consider that in essence nothing changes: the Commission is still trying to recentralize regional funding, something that would be a huge setback for the EU’s cohesion. Three fundamental aspects remain untouched:
- the Commission does not give up centralisation with the 27 national plans;
- the role of the regions and cities on the design, management and implementation is still highly insufficient;
- it does not question the “Frankenstein” structure that mixes funds, creating a system that is inconsistent and difficult to govern.
The allocation for regions in transition and for the more developed ones also remains short. Moreover, no clear and transparent methodology for the distribution of funds is specified.
This is why, from the European Free Alliance, we cannot be satisfied with the proposal. Europe needs more and better: a project that recognises its greatest strength—its regions and their citizens.