S&D criticizes EU’s 2025 budget for cutting key programs

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The S&D criticized the EU’s 2025 budget proposal, urging support for key programs like Horizon Europe and Erasmus.

The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament voiced their criticism in the plenary in Strasbourg with the position of the Council on the Union’s budget for next year. The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU introduced a proposal for the European Union budget 2025. 

How does the S&D view the proposed funding cuts?

According to the S&D Group, this would generate harm to main EU programmes. The S&D Group expressed that they cannot settle with such a conservative approach in allocating EU money. The position of the Council strikes hard on some of the greatest European success stories like Horizon Europe – the critical funding programme for research and innovation – or Erasmus+, securing academic exchanges and especially beneficial to young people.

Victor Negrescu, vice-president of the EU Parliament and EP negotiator on the EU budget for 2025, remarked that European citizens and businesses across the EU feel they are living in turbulent times. He emphasized the responsibility to provide the financial means necessary to fund EU policies that are important for the daily lives of people and the economy’s functioning.

How does the S&D propose to support green and digital transitions?

Negrescu called for several actions, stating that it is essential to ensure the green and digital transitions leave no one behind. This includes providing necessary support for research and innovation in key sectors like health, climate, and natural resources by increasing funding for cross-border infrastructure, particularly in energy; enhancing the EU’s investment in cutting-edge technology; and improving the competitiveness of the EU economy, focusing on small and medium enterprises.

What role does the S&D see for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps?

Victor Negrescu emphasized the need for the EU budget to support all generations, particularly the youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens. He suggested securing funding for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, as well as reinforcing support for the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. 

How does the S&D plan to address concerns from farmers?

Additionally, he mentioned that the S&D Group has listened to farmers’ concerns across the Union and aims to strengthen support for them, alongside reinforcing the LIFE programme, which funds environmental and climate action in the context of the clean energy transition.

What are the S&D’s priorities for migration and border management?

To conclude, the vice-president of the EU Parliament and EP negotiator on the EU budget stated that managing migration is crucial. He emphasised the need to reinforce funding for effective border management and ensure necessary resources for the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing European security and defence by calling for financial means to enhance military mobility. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of providing funding for a robust response to external challenges. It includes increasing humanitarian aid, supporting EU accession preparations, combating disinformation, and fostering cooperation with neighbouring countries along the eastern and southern borders.