Odbor za proračune

MEPs will debate and vote on InvestEU, the programme designed by the Commission to provide strategic long-term funding and to support Union policies in the recovery from a deep economic and social crisis. The support will go to four objectives: sustainable infrastructure, research, innovation and digitalisation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social investment and skills.

Members of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) debated the new arrangements on Own Resources in the EU, following the adoption of the EU long term budget last year (multiannual financial framework 2021-2027). In particular, they focused on the introduction of new own resources, such as the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB), the extension of the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the levy on Plastic packaging waste that is not recycled.

On Thursday 25 February, the general rapporteur on the 2022 budget, Karlo Ressler, presented his draft report on the guidelines for the preparation of next year's budget. The rapporteur’s overarching priority is the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

BUDG Members exchanged with Gert Jan Koopman, Director General of the DG BUDG (European Commission), on the changes for the budget implementation and planning brought by the new financial period. This will include financial programming as such, next steps to reflect the EU's long term budget (MFF) agreement, the reuse of unused funds in research, vaccines’ funding as well as internal organisation of the Commission to manage the new generation of EU programmes, including the Recovery Plan.

The European Parliamentary Week 2021 has taken place remotely on 22 February 2021. The Committee on Budgets co-organised together with the Portuguese Parliament a meeting focusing on financing the EU economic recovery, featuring the key insights of Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn and Sustainable Development Expert on Public Policy and Multilevel Governance, Honorary Member of the Belgian Federal Planning Bureau, Nadine Gouzée.

On Monday 1st February, Members of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) have adopted the BUDG opinion for the report of the Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee titled European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted the EUR 672.5 billion strong Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) during the plenary session on 9 February 2021. The RRF will be a key instrument in mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis, by supporting long-term reforms and investments centered on policy areas of European relevance.

On the 1st of February, Members of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) have exchanged views with Ms Sandra Gallina, Director General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) in the European Commission. She informed Members about how the EU budget has been used and managed in support of the EU's Covid-19 vaccines strategy.

On Monday 1st February, Members of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) have adopted an opinion for the Economic and Monetary Affairs committee (ECON) concerning the Financial Activities of the European Investment Bank (EIB) - annual report 2020. This annual input also addresses the specific circumstances and events of the last year, in particular the EIB's response to the investments needs in response to the Covid 19 crisis and its economic fall-out.