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EU Budget Proposal Faces Regional Backlash
Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions, has vehemently opposed the European Commission's €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. The proposal shifts funding toward security and defense while restructuring cohesion policies that support regional development.
The 'Hunger Games' Critique
Tüttő accuses Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of creating a 'Hunger Games' scenario where regions compete for limited funds. 'What happened is that everything Ursula von der Leyen is not interested in is put in one bag,' stated Tüttő, citing neglected areas including youth unemployment, childcare, and farming subsidies.
Cohesion Policy Under Threat
The proposed restructuring would merge the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and cohesion funds into a centralized budget. Tüttő warns this 'cracks the backbone of cohesion policy' that traditionally reduces economic disparities between EU regions. 'We are not the United States. Europe is based on its regions – its diversity is its strength,' she emphasized during a Brussels press briefing.
Democratic Accountability Concerns
German MEP Monika Hohlmeier echoed concerns about diminished parliamentary oversight. 'There's a shift in the balance of EU institutions,' noted Hohlmeier, warning the plan risks eliminating 'democratic scrutiny and co-decision by the European Parliament.'
Negotiations Ahead
The proposal now enters negotiations between member states and the European Parliament, with a deadline of end-2027. Tüttő demands cohesion policy remain independent: 'This is not a charity fund – it's designed to be a stabilising tool and long-term glue for European policies.' The outcome could redefine EU regional development for decades.
