21
Oct
2025
Regarder
Budget général de l'Union européenne pour l'exercice 2026 – toutes sections (débat)
Madam President, dear Minister Wammen, dear Commissioner Serafin, dear colleagues, today we will debate on our priorities for next year’s budget of the Union. This is an important moment for the Parliament where we set our policy priorities, and how to finance them. Our common approach reflects our common values. In addition, it sets the course for the future of Europe as we see it. We are of course part of the globalised world, with many ongoing conflicts, including on our borders. We are also exposed to geopolitical events. We also have to respond to the urgent challenges, including cyber security. In the last years, the EU adopted several ground-breaking legislative initiatives, such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Market Act, or the Artificial intelligence Act, just to name some of them. Consequently, we tasked the EU institutions to implement these initiatives and monitor their application. But to be able to do that, the EU institutions must be able to do their job. And for them to be able to do so, we must give them sufficient resources. If we can talk the talk, but do not walk the walk, we put all our institutions in a difficult situation. And the Union at risk. Dear colleagues, our key priorities are reflected in our budget proposal. And considering the difficult overall financial situation of the EU budget, we are being very responsible in planning it. And I believe that our proposal demonstrates just that. Our position is very focused, very reasonable and targeted to real needs. However, certain difference between our institutions remain. But we have a common task to deliver for our citizens. It is them we serve. Not ourselves. As the rapporteur for other sections, my message is clear. We must enable our institutions to have enough staff to deal with their increased tasks and responsibilities, and mandatory expenses. But also they need to be able to protect themselves from the new realities, such as cybersecurity issues. More efficient and safe EU institutions are in our common interest. So, dear Minister Wammen, dear Commissioner Serafin, I am sure we will be able to find a common ground that will be based on the real needs for each of our institutions. They are the backbone of the EU, working for our citizens, but also the Member States. And that the result in the end will be a good one. I look forward to today’s debate and I thank you for your attention. Thank you also to my colleagues.