EU Budget Battle Ends: Von der Leyen Defends 'Revolutionary' Financial Framework Proposal

European Commission President Faces Parliament

Ursula von der Leyen appeared before the European Parliament to defend what she described as a "revolution" in the structure and philosophy of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This comes after criticism from MEPs, with von der Leyen reminding them that it was the Parliament itself that requested the European Commission to present a proposal with "more ambition, more coherence, and more flexibility."

Key Defense Points

Von der Leyen emphasized that "the status quo was not an option," justifying the proposal for the financial framework starting in 2028. She stated, "What we have on the table is the response to your call," directly addressing the MEPs' earlier demands.

Parliamentary Reaction

Eurodeputados (Members of the European Parliament) have welcomed "progress" in the discussions, signaling a potential easing of the budgetary standoff that had characterized previous negotiations.