EU Political Report: 'EU Budget 2023'

Members of the European Parliament have adopted its position on the General Budget of the European Union for the financial year of 2023. 

On the overall budget, the plenary backed MEP negotiation achievements on more money for energy-related issues, health, education, culture, humanitarian aid and migration. 

Energy-related money was increased by 300 million euros to address the most pressing issues for citizens and businesses.

Comment came from Nils Ušakovs, S&D negotiator on the EU budget 2023 for EU institutions, who said: “I am proud my group spearheaded the fight against unreasonable spending of tax payers’ money. The plans to exchange the European Parliament’s existing Salvador de Madariaga building (SDM) in Strasbourg for the newly constructed Osmose building is simply outrageous. 

“The proposal by the French authorities to turn the SDM building into a hotel for members of the European Parliament and exchange it for the newly built Osmose building is not cost-neutral as its proponents claim. At the very least, the costs for outfit works for security measures will be billed to the taxpayers. I am disappointed that the EPP did not follow us on this. Today’s vote showed that many members of the EP share the concerns of our group and only a tiny, questionable majority was in favour of such an absurd project. What follows next, according to the formal procedure, is the first discussion of the Osmose project by the European Parliament’s committee on budgets. This discussion will be held next Wednesday, 26 October. Then the EP’s committee on budgets can vote on the Osmose project at any moment in the next four months starting from 26 October onwards.

“At least on the costly renovations of the iconic Paul-Henri Spaak (PHS) building in Brussels, sense has prevailed for now. Our call in plenary was heard and the project will now have to be totally reconsidered. There can be no compromise with safe working conditions for anyone, and the staff of the European Parliament is no exception here. Yet, any plans to improve the building must find the right balance between the result achieved and the money spent.”

The Greens/EFA Group said it supports the Parliament’s reading of the budget. Francisco Guerreiro MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on the General Budget of the European Union for the financial year of 2023 and member of the Budget committee, said, “The Greens/EFA successfully advocated for more ambition towards tackling climate change and biodiversity crisis, which is becoming increasingly urgent. During the budget negotiations, the Parliament’s groups have found a good compromise that addresses the crises and challenges currently faced by the European Union as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.” 

“We also managed to negotiate large increases for humanitarian aid and support to the EU’s Eastern and Southern neighborhoods and reinforcements for programmes that will further accelerate the energy transition for all and tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis both in the EU and globally. “It is becoming increasingly clear that the Multiannual Financial Framework is not fit for dealing with current needs or new emergencies. The Greens/EFA call on the European Commission to present an ambitious proposal for revision of the current Multiannual Financial Framework as soon as possible during 2023. “It is sad to see that some groups in the European Parliament have exploited the accompanying budget resolution by attaching an islamophobic amendment to further sow discord and division within Europe. The EU must be an unconditional supporter of women’s freedoms and freedom of religion in the EU and in the world and freedom of religion everywhere. The Greens/EFA fight for women’s rights, self-determination and the right to choose. This is why the Greens/EFA voted against the resolution accompanying the Parliament’s reading on the budget.“

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