Brussels – The European Movement International (EMI) welcomes the final budget agreement reached by MEPs on the MFF, which will provide a framework to EU finances until 2020.

Despite this, the EMI is concerned that there has been a real-terms cut of 3.5%, which will affect the implementation of policies at EU level.

By cutting 35bn euros from the budget, the EU will be hard pressed to deal with the worst effects of the crisis, notably rising unemployment and poverty in Europe’s poorest regions, as targeted through cohesion policy.

The EMI also supports hard-fought victories by MEPs that will allow the EU to retain unspent budget funds and explore the possibility to raise its ‘own resources’ through taxation.

Jo Leinen, President of the European Movement International (EMI), said:
“The old system of net contributors and net receivers is outdated and does not provide a stable framework for the future. We urgently need to move towards a system of “own resources” to finance the Union. The introduction of a financial transaction tax (FTT) raised by the EU would be an important first step to establish such a new system.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors
1. The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.