The EU proposal assumes a budget worth up to EUR 2 trillion, which is to be more flexible and better adapted to the needs of the Member States and regions. The partnership -based model is to combine activities in the areas of cohesion, agriculture, social policy, migration and security. As the commission argues, this approach will reduce bureaucracy and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
During the meeting of the EU parliamentary committee, Piotr Serafin pointed out that “national and regional plans of partnership” differ from the current KPO. National reconstruction plans focused only on the central level, while in the new model of reforms and investments will also be adapted to the specifics of individual regional areas. Although milestones remain a key mechanism for assessing progress, this structure will be more flexible than the previous solutions.
– The product spending model will be based on milestones, fast settlements and reform plans – said Serafin, emphasizing that the visions implemented by the regions and Member States will have to respond to European politicians, but at the same time will be more adapted to local needs.
Despite the announcement of simplification and flexibility of the mechanism, critical remarks about previous experience from KPO were indicated by Deputy Minister Ignacy Niemczycki. In his opinion, the connection of reforms with payments under national reconstruction plans did not always give satisfactory results. – Reforms should be related to investments in substance – he said in an interview with PAP.
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Serafin, referring to the structure of new partnerships, assured that their implementation would take place in a spirit of cooperation, not imposing solutions. – The assumption is that we work based on the principles of partnership. The European Commission, Member States and regions will jointly agree on the reforms – he explained.
At the same time, he emphasized that there was a principle dependent to access European funds on compliance with the rule of law. As he noted, this is the obligation of the Commission to guarantee that the money from EU taxes is spent as intended.
The proposal of the European Commission provides for the allocation of significant funds between different sectors. EUR 300 billion will go to agriculture, EUR 451 billion in the competitiveness fund, and EUR 218 billion is foreseen for less developed regions. Particular attention is also paid to a fivefold increase in the budget for defense and space, which according to the proposal are to receive EUR 131 billion.
The long-term financial framework for 2028-34 is currently the subject of consultation. The governments of the Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission will negotiate details before the final decision is made unanimously by all countries and approved by the European Parliament.
