Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 29 May 2018 - Strasbourg

2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and own resources (debate)

  Roberta Metsola (PPE). – Mr President, one of the criticisms in our countries is that Europe is too bureaucratic and too rigid, so it is important that we are able to illustrate what EU funds do for people every day. Take migration and asylum. We are dealing with an issue that has, in many quarters, been hijacked by a populist narrative. We have to be proactive – throwing money alone will not solve anything. We need to see real political will to move forward – but funds are needed. The tripling in budget is an important sign that we stand ready to address this challenge. It will help to both manage our borders, with an additional 10 000 border guards, and respond to those in need of protection. More flexibility means being able to respond effectively to unpredictable geopolitical realities. This was badly needed.

On regionality, we have to make sure no citizens are left behind. I am referring specifically to islands like Gozo, where economic growth has not matched Malta’s. This cannot be ignored when it comes to EU funds.

And finally on Erasmus. Doubling the funds is good, but it’s still not enough for our flagship programme that shapes hearts, minds and futures of young Europeans. Let’s be bold and reaffirm our European ideas – and there’s no better place to do that and start than from Erasmus.