Yesterday, during a debate on the new EU long-term budget and recovery fund, MEPs were joined by the presidents of the European Council and European Commission. 

MEPs underlined that the next MFF must be ambitious and future-orientated, with the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis at its centre. They also highlighted that regions, farmers, and the focus on tackling climate change, digitalisation, securing the futures of the weakest in society, should not be forgotten. 

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the basis of the MFF and recovery plan, stating that it will be built on three pillars: recovery and repair, kick-starting the economy and learning lessons. The first pillar will see a new public investment fund created to support the European priorities: the twin transition to a climate-neutral and digital and resilient Europe. The second pillar will focus on reinvigorating the economy, with investments key sectors and technologies from 5G to AI, clean hydrogen to offshore renewable energy.

President von der Leyen also announced the creation of a new Health Programme and pledged that the European Parliament will play a significant role in the recovery package and budget. Read her full speech here. 

The plenary debates continue, read more here.