13
Mar
2024
Watch
Financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast) (debate)
Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, let me first congratulate the rapporteurs on their work. We all want the European Union budget to be spent efficiently and responsibly, aware that changing financial rules often creates uncertainties for beneficiaries. Building on the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission proposes to adapt the financial rules to allow an EU institution to purchase goods and services on behalf of Member States in crisis situations. It is also proposed to update the definition of crisis to include public health emergencies. We welcome the Commission's proposal, which wishes to make a targeted change in order to strike the right balance, focusing on the changes that are really needed, so that our financial instruments are adapted and efficient, but also able to respond to the challenges and at the same time ensure transparency in the spending of European funds. So these proposals are not just technical adjustments, they reflect our shared commitment to solidarity, responsibility and the protection of the interests of European citizens, but also the guarantee that the European Union is ready to face any future challenges.