Best European value for less (national) money? The negotiations of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020

Notes internacionals CIDOB, núm. 48

The outcome of the negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 will define the potential role of the EU budget in responding to the economic crisis.

The persistence of several Member States on “red lines” which they are unwilling to cross seems to manifest once more the status quo of the European budget structure and allows little room for maneuver during the following months.

A strong commitment to reinforce and implement the EU2020 growth strategy in all spending headings can be confirmed.

The current crisis is an opportunity to discuss new own resources for the EU, such as a Financial Transaction Tax or a new VAT resource, which would not only mean a further step toward European integration but also connect the EU more closely with its citizens.

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