DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 02 February 2024
First time ever revision of the EU long-term budget will help address the EU's main challenges
The European Commission welcomes the historic agreement of the European Council to for the first ever revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework's ceilings. The Council's agreement confirms all priorities of the Commission's proposal and covers 80% of the requested financing. This reinforcement will allow the EU to continue delivering on our common priorities, benefiting the people in our Union and beyond.
The key elements addressed by the revision include:
The financing of the revision will be provided through a combination of fresh resources and redeployments within the EU budget. This will allow the EU to continue acting on the most pressing priorities while minimizing the impact on national budgets.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The European Council re-confirmed Europe's unwavering commitment to stand with Ukraine and agreed on the first-ever revision of our multi-annual budget confirming the priorities that the Commission presented in June. And I am very satisfied that we got 80% of the funding we asked for. We reaffirmed our commitment to fighting illegal migration, our commitment to supporting our partners in the Western Balkans and in the southern neighbourhood. We will also increase our ability to deal with natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Furthermore, we will support the much-needed development of critical technologies in Europe, including on defence, and increase our competitiveness. With this agreement, Europe stands united and is well equipped for the challenges ahead. In other words: Today, Europe got stronger.”
Background
In 2020, the EU agreed its 2021-2027 long-term budget. Together with the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument, it amounts to €2.018 trillion in current prices, making up the largest stimulus package ever financed by the EU. Since 2021, the budget has been instrumental to help repair the economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic and aid the transition towards a more resilient, modern and more sustainable Europe.
On 20 June 2023, the European Commission proposed a targeted revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027.
For More Information
European Council's conclusions
Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027
EU budget in motion
Commission proposes to reinforce long-term EU budget to face most urgent challenges
EU assistance to Ukraine
Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform
Quote(s)
The successful agreement on the revision of our Multiannual Financial Framework sends a powerful message of unity in supporting our shared EU priorities. This now paves the way for constructive negotiations with the European Parliament. Swiftly concluding this process is crucial to secure much-needed financing for Ukraine and address the many other pressing challenges ahead, ranging from migration, competitiveness as well as broader issues in the international arena such as high inflation rates and their impact on energy and food prices.
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the special meeting of the European Council of 1 February 2024
Today is a very special day. The European Council re-confirmed Europe's unwavering commitment to stand with Ukraine. We all know that Ukraine is fighting for us. So we will support them with the necessary funding and provide them with the much-needed predictability they deserve. These EUR 50 billion for four years also send a very strong message to Putin, just ahead of the second anniversary of his brutal invasion.
But today, we also agreed on the first-ever revision of our multi-annual budget. It confirms the priorities that the Commission presented back in June. And I am very satisfied that we got 80% of the funding we asked for. We had certainly some difficult choices to make, but we have a very good result. We reaffirmed our commitment to fighting illegal migration. We reaffirmed our commitment to supporting our partners in the Western Balkans, with the Growth Plan, – and in the southern neighbourhood. We will also increase our ability to deal with natural disasters in Member States and humanitarian crises, such as Gaza. Furthermore, STEP will support the much-needed development of critical technologies in Europe, including on defence, and increase our competitiveness. With this agreement, Europe stands united and is well equipped for the challenges ahead. In other words: Today, Europe got stronger.
We will also continue to support the brave Ukrainian armed forces, to fight off the brutal invaders. So far, the European Union and its Member States have mobilised EUR 28 billion worth of military equipment. And of course, more is coming, and more is needed – more tanks, helicopters, air defence systems, missiles. As well as more ammunition. The European defence industry has already increased its production capacity by 40% – and this is still growing. Over 80 European manufacturers have responded to our call for proposals. So we will be signing the contracts in a matter of weeks. We are working with the Member States to get that ammunition to Ukraine – be it from the national stocks or be it by diverting other orders or making new orders, as I have just described. We will have delivered 520,000 rounds of artillery shell by March. And we will more than double this amount by the end of this year. On top of that, we have been training Ukrainian soldiers – 40,500 by mid-February. But this support must increase, and that was the discussion today. In fact, Russia's invasion has also been a wake-up call for the whole of the European Union. So while we keep supporting Ukraine, we need to bolster our own military capacities, too. We are working to take our defence industry to the next level. This is why the Commission will soon present a new Defence Industrial Strategy. It will introduce a stronger European dimension across our defence industries. This goes from planning to procurement, we will have a greater coherence and coordination at the European Union level. With this Strategy, we aim to make Europe move from the emergency response to a defence readiness.
Let me add a few words on the discussion on agriculture. Farmers play an essential role in Europe's economy and society. Their work contributes greatly to our food security and indeed also to our way of life. And they are key actors in ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. They live with nature and from nature. It is after all the basis of their livelihoods and thus also the basis of our livelihoods. European farmers are dynamic. In 2022, productivity improved 13%, thanks to their efforts. They also contribute positively to our external trade. Last year again, agri-food exports increased by 5%. So, I think it is fair to say that our farmers have shown remarkable resilience in the face of the recent crises. But many challenges remain. For example, the tensions on agri-food prices or a very competitive global market that leads to uncertainty, and of course, the need to remain competitive while working to high standards and environmental protection – a very complex endeavour.
Farmers can count on European support. The Common Agricultural Policy budget allocates close to EUR 390 billion, that is almost one-third of the European budget, to agriculture. In 2023 alone, Europe provided exceptional assistance of over EUR 500 million to farmers most affected by crises. We know that this support is crucial, and we know that farmers are making good use of it. But in parallel, the Commission is now working closely with the Member States to address the immediate challenges. This week, for example, we have proposed additional flexibility to farmers on the so-called fallow land use. And we have proposed safeguards on poultry, eggs and sugar imports from Ukraine to avoid a significant surge in imports.
Finally, of course we have to defend legitimate interests of farmers in our trade negotiations, in particular, in ensuring a level playing field in terms of standards when we have trade agreements. And I am very sensitive to the message that farmers are concerned by administrative burden. This is a general topic, you know that this is close to my heart, to reduce these administrative burdens. So we will work with the Belgian Presidency on a proposal that we will then present ready in time before the next Agricultural Council to work on reducing these administrative burdens.
Last but certainly not least, our mid- and long-term proposal. As you know, we have started last week the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the European Union. In other words, we have convened all the different stakeholders, of course the farmers' representatives, the young farmers, but also the food processors, those who work in environmental NGOs, Greenpeace, other stakeholders across the whole agricultural sector. The aim is that, together, we develop an idea, a vision and a roadmap on how to reach our common goals. It was very reassuring to hear that all stand behind the common goal to reach climate neutrality by 2050. But how to get there, this has to be developed with the farmers and with their knowledge, because they have many interesting ideas on how to move forward on this topic. The strategic dialogue will also bring answers in the mid and long term, that will feed in the programme of the next Commission, and certainly will have an influence on the next negotiations on the CAP.
EU and Canada boost their strategic digital partnership to address new challenges
Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne met on 1 February to begin work on implementing the EU-Canada Digital Partnership, which was concluded at the 23-24 November summit held in Canada.
They issued the following joint press release following their virtual meeting:
The new Digital Partnership will help the EU and Canada address new challenges in digital transformation that impact research, industry, society and the broader economy.
It aims to focus on increasing cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science and semiconductors, public policy related to online platforms, secure international connectivity, and cyber security. These priorities will be discussed at the officials' level through a Digital Dialogue in February.
On semiconductors, the EU and Canada intend to cooperate to address future disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain by exploring monitoring and early warning mechanisms. They intend to exchange information on public support to the sector. The two sides also explored collaboration in research and development of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. The partners intend also to exchange information on workforce development initiatives, with the involvement of academia, research organisations, and industry.
On AI, the EU and Canada intend to set up regular channels of communication and exchange information through workshops, including on AI governance and international standards.
On quantum science, the EU and Canada aim to expand mutually beneficial collaboration to accelerate research, development, and innovation while promoting jobs and the utilisation of quantum technologies in the broader economy.
On online platforms, the EU and Canada intend to continue to cooperate and exchange information on measures to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability and make the internet a safer and more inclusive place for users. In the coming year, the partners aim to exchange on the implementation of their respective frameworks.
On secure and resilient connectivity, the EU and Canada intend to exchange information to encourage the development of secure and high-quality connectivity and explore actions to develop secure and high-quality connectivity between Europe, North America and Asia, for example potential routes in the Arctic or North Atlantic.
On cyber security, the EU and Canada intend to collaborate on the implementation of cyber security regulatory frameworks, including in the areas of critical infrastructure protection and cyber security of products. There is an opportunity to cooperate on cyber security certifications and standards. As a first step, the partners will identify opportunities for exchange of information and best practices in pursuing domestic initiatives.
On digital identity, digital credentials and trust services, both sides intend to promote interoperability through pilot projects.
The two sides agreed to convene a Ministerial-level Digital Partnership Council in the spring to take stock of progress and decide on next steps in line with today's discussion.
Joint statement following today's call between Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron
Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and the Foreign Secretary spoke today (31 January). It followed a call between the Executive Vice-President and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.
The Executive Vice-President and the Foreign Secretary both agreed on the high importance of seeing the Northern Ireland Executive restored and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.
The Foreign Secretary explained the package of measures being set out in Parliament today, as the next step in the process to see the Northern Ireland institutions restored. The Executive Vice-President noted that the Commission will analyse carefully the texts published today.
They discussed the proposed joint EU-UK solution on Tariff Rate Quotas, published the previous day, which would be considered at the next meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee after completion of relevant procedures on both sides. This would deliver benefits for Northern Ireland importers and was another demonstration of the positive outcomes constructive joint working could achieve.
This reflected their shared commitment to the full implementation of the Windsor Framework.
The Commission will continue to exchange with the UK through the channels set up by that Framework.
The Executive Vice-President and Foreign Secretary noted ongoing work on the other areas of cooperation including on support for Ukraine and agreed to stay in touch.
Statement by Commissioner Reynders, on the first meeting of the structured dialogue on the implementation by Spain of the recommendation of the rule of law report related to the Spanish National Council for the Judiciary
“Today, we had the first meeting of the structured dialogue on the implementation of the recommendation of the rule of law report related to the Spanish National Council for the Judiciary.
I held this meeting in Brussels together with Mr Félix Bolaños and Mr. Esteban González Pons.
The 2022 and 2023 Commission's recommendation reads as follows:
“Proceed with the renewal of the Council for the Judiciary as a matter of priority and initiate, immediately after the renewal, a process in view of adapting the appointment of its judges-members, taking into account European standards on Councils for the Judiciary”.
I recalled the long-standing position of the Commission on the matter and the importance of engaging in a constructive dialogue.
In this meeting, there was a clear commitment from all sides to work together to ensure the implementation of the Commission's recommendation.
We agreed to reconvene on 12 February to take stock of the discussions.”
Speech by Commissioner Kyriakides at the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan conference
Vice-President Jourova, dear Vera, Commissioner McGuinness, dear Mairead, Ministers, Honourable Members, dear MEP Loukas Fourlas, Dr Costa, Distinguished Speakers and Guests, Colleagues, Friends, dear members of the Sea of Change choir,
In December 2019, at the European Parliament, I gave my first speech as Commissioner on the Health aspects of my portfolio.
As you may have guessed, the speech was largely focused on cancer.
That day, I spoke of how the stars had “aligned magically” to make cancer a priority across the EU institutions.
They did so thanks to an unprecedented political momentum.
From the very outset, President von der Leyen gave Europe's Beating Cancer Plan her personal endorsement, and I thank her warmly for leading the way.
I thank my colleagues in the College of Commissioners for sharing this vision, all of Europe's Health Ministers for their steadfast support, and all the Members of the European Parliament.
I woud like to thank my expert and scientific advisor on the Cancer plan Dr Costa for his wise advice and dedication.
And I thank all stakeholder organisations for their tireless engagement.
As the years have flown by, with a pandemic in our path, the Cancer Plan has kept on soaring to new heights – this thanks to the shared vision and joint commitment of many of those in this room and countless persons across the EU, many of whom are following us today online.
A shared vision I personally witnessed when speaking to patients, families, doctors and nurses in the oncology centres I met in every single Member State that I visited.
When we jointly launched the work on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan in the European Parliament on World Cancer Day 2020, I said that for myself this was about turning the personal into the political, sharing my voice with that of many others to bring about change for those facing a cancer diagnosis every day.
Time had come for a Plan that aimed high and reached far.
Backed by funding of €4 billion, we have launched a record number of projects, actions and initiatives addressing each stage of this disease.
Thanks to this unprecedented action, stakeholders, healthcare professionals, patients and governments are today working closer together across the EU to improve prevention, detection, treatment and quality of life, with all actions based on the latest research and innovation.
Just today, to eradicate cervical cancers and other cancers caused by viruses, we presented in College a new Recommendation on vaccine preventable cancers for HPV and Hepatitis B – adding one more Flagship action to our prevention pillar.
After almost 20 years, we have new modern and science-based screening guidelines covering cancer types that together account for over half of all new cases diagnosed in the EU every year.
We have today a cancer training programme operating across borders and our young cancer patients are supporting each other through a Network of Youth Cancer Survivors.
We are progressing steadily to set up the first EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres by 2025 for better access to high-quality care.
Last but not least, we have launched the first ever EU-US cooperation on cancer, linking Europe's Beating Cancer Plan with Moonshot.
What do these actions actually mean?
And we still have a lot to do.
We have many challenges and problems still to address, especially as regards the unacceptable inequalities we see in cancer care in the EU.
I've made it extremely clear since my first day in office as Commissioner every EU citizen should have access to the same level of care.
Thanks to the first EU Cancer Inequalities Registry, we are today publishing a report with updated figures on cancer trends, showing clearly that not everyone in the EU has the same chance to survive cancer.
Equity in health is simply not negotiable.
This is one of the foundational principles of the strong European Health Union we have been building over the past years. Our work under the Cancer Plan aims to make this a reality.
Friends,
We are firmly determined to keep this momentum up, and this year will see us present measures on tackling exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including from sunbeds.
And to recognise the right to be forgotten across the EU, we will bring forward the first EU code of conduct on fair access for cancer survivors to financial services in the coming months in Brussels.
This code is a shining example of how the Cancer Plan reaches beyond health.
We will bring forward a range of actions in other important areas as well, including for personalised cancer medicines, digital technologies, palliative care for children and health literacy.
What do all these projects and initiatives have in common?
The answer is simple: people.
People looking for answers, for a diagnosis, for a treatment plan, for a decent life after cancer.
Why are these projects and initiatives important?
Because of their far-reaching impact on people, on patients, on families and friends, on healthcare professionals.
I have experienced this impact first hand.
I have worked with children living with cancer and their families.
I know what being diagnosed with cancer feels like.
I know the fear that surrounds every biopsy, every check-up, every brush with a virus like COVID-19.
I know the crushing loneliness that a cancer diagnosis can cause. Even when you are lucky enough to have support of friends and family.
I know the worry in the eyes of your family, your own worry, whether you will see your children grow.
That is why this has been such a personal journey for myself and for many others in this room today - friends, advocates who have travelled from so far just to be here.
The Cancer Plan has always been about putting people first.
That is why it is integral to the people-centred European Health Union this Commission is building.
And it is why we can be proud of what it has done for people across the EU.
The opening line of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan says, “Cancer affects us all”.
On World Cancer Day this Sunday, the slogan is Close the Care Gap. Far more unites us than divides us, whether we are young or old, irrespective of race, religion, gender, across the world, we need to close the gap - this is what this plan is about.
Actor Patrick Swayze lost his life to pancreatic cancer at the age of 57 in 2009.
He said, “together we can make a world where cancer no longer means living with fear, without hope or worse”.
And that is why we are all gathered here today.
In that first speech four years ago, I called on EU Member States, EU institutions, the pharmaceutical industry and patient advocates to join forces with us to turn the tide against cancer.
It is with immense pride – and emotion – that I stand before you today to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for answering that call.
With you, we have made huge strides in turning that ambitious blueprint into positive change that is making a difference to the lives of patients, their carers and their loved ones.
With you, we are bringing hope for a brighter future without cancer.
With you, I know that Europe's Beating Cancer Plan is in the safest of hands.