EU's 'Frugals' Seek Rebranding Amid Budget Negotiations
Frugals no more? Europe’s budget hawks try on a ‘moderniser’ makeover
Image: The Irish Times
The group of fiscally conservative EU nations, known as the 'frugals', aims to rebrand as 'modernisers' in upcoming budget negotiations. Countries like Sweden and Germany advocate for a restrained budget, while others, including Spain and Italy, push for increased funding to address various challenges. A consensus on the €1.2 trillion budget is essential but remains elusive.
- 01The 'frugals' group includes Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, and Germany, advocating for a restrained EU budget.
- 02Opposing countries like Spain, Italy, and Poland demand increased funding for defence, border control, and economic competitiveness.
- 03The current EU budget, known as the multiannual financial framework, totals €1.2 trillion and runs until the end of 2027.
- 04Negotiations are complicated by the need for consensus among all 27 member states and the European Parliament.
- 05Upcoming summits in November and December will focus heavily on reaching a budget agreement.
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European nations traditionally known as the 'frugals' are attempting to rebrand themselves as 'modernisers' in the lead-up to negotiations for the EU's next seven-year budget. This group, which includes Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, and Germany, emphasizes the need for a more efficient budget rather than a larger one. In contrast, countries like Spain, Italy, and Poland argue for an expansion of the budget to address pressing issues such as defence, border control, and economic competitiveness. The current budget, officially called the multiannual financial framework, amounts to €1.2 trillion and is set to last until the end of 2027. The negotiation process is expected to be challenging, with a consensus required from all 27 EU member states and the European Parliament. Significant summits are scheduled for late November and December, where leaders will seek to finalize the budget amid various competing interests. The outcome of these discussions will have substantial implications for EU policy and funding priorities for the coming years.
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The outcome of the budget negotiations will directly affect funding for various EU programs, including agriculture and regional development.
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