S&D Euro MPs say „no“ to current deal on EU budget

S&D president Hannes Swoboda announced today that his Group cannot accept the budget deal for 2014-2020 as proposed by European heads of state and government.

The deal will need substantial changes if it is to become an appropriate legal instrument for the EU multiannual budgetary framework.

The European Parliament is preparing a resolution to be voted during its March plenary session setting out the issues to negotiate with the Council. If the Council accepts, negotiations can start.

Said S&D Group leader Hannes Swoboda:

„We had our first discussion on the agreement struck by European leaders on the EU 2014-2020 budget.

„In our view, the deal is not acceptable as it is; we are ready to lead the European Parliament towards negotiations on a modern budget to help Europe out of the crisis.

„We can’t accept a budget which gives us seven years of austerity. We want a budget that meets the social needs of our citizens and that is oriented towards growth and job creation.

„The Group will not request a secret ballot when the European Parliament is asked to give its consent. We want to exercise our democratic responsibilities in full transparency.“