The post-COVID EU must be built on solidarity, sustainability and democracy

On Friday, EU leaders will convene for an online summit which aims to clear the way for a common position on the Commission’s latest proposal for a long-term budget and the 'Next Generation EU' recovery fund. Paired with a refocused Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the €750-billion-heavy recovery instrument has the potential of becoming the key ingredient of Europe's post-pandemic recovery and future economic resilience. Friday’s discussion among leaders comes at a time when Europe’s borders and economies are gradually reopening and European citizens are looking for the support necessary to recover from the effects of the pandemic and the lockdown.

MEPs are also in session this week and will vote on guidelines for the EU’s budget for 2021. As the first under the new MFF, next year’s budget will be crucial to the EU’s efforts in promoting Europe’s recovery, which should be steered by climate efforts, digital transformation and the need to protect citizens’ health, well-being and rights at all times.

Meanwhile, Brussels is gearing up for the German Presidency of the EU Council that has set itself the task to foster Europe’s recovery and conclude the MFF negotiations, which rely on backing from national governments and parliaments, as well as the European Parliament.

Key Texts

European Commission:
Recovery Plan <[link removed]>

Eurogroup: Report on the economic policy response to the pandemic <[link removed]>

Programme of the next Council Presidency trio <[link removed]>



Upcoming Dates

19 June
European Council <[link removed]>

19 June
EP votes on budget guidelines <[link removed]>

24 June
Commission presents 2021 budget plans to EP Committee <[link removed]>



Input from the European Movement International



As we highlight in our latest position on An EU Response to COVID-19 <[link removed]>, a well-designed EU recovery plan as well as an adjusted long-term budget plan offer a much-needed European response to a health crisis that will have an impact for years to come. Europe’s recovery from this pandemic will no doubt be a gradual one and relies on a solid political and economic framework to foster a more resilient and united European society. In this context, we advocate for a long-term budget and recovery fund that avoids burdening future generations with debt and embodies the principles of cohesion, solidarity and upward convergence while protecting citizens’ priorities.

The crisis puts the EU’s economic resilience to the test, and leaders should take the crisis as an opportunity to explore new ways to enhance the EU’s ability to respond to such shocks. A new scheme for own resources can optimise the EU budget, while putting the EU’s Green Deal at the core of the recovery, can promote a sustainable Europe.

With leaders and institutions negotiating the long-term budget and recovery in the coming months, we highlight the need for citizens to be at the core of decisions taken on Europe’s future. While institutions, authorities and organisations must at all times coordinate and communicate their actions with each other and with citizens, the Conference on the Future of Europe <[link removed]> can offer a timely opportunity for an open dialogue on the key issues and priorities that will shape the EU’s future.






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The European Movement International - Place du Luxembourg 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
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