Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 December 2019
108. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the severe cuts to defence and climate policy areas in view of the latest draft EU budget plans for 2021 to 2027 for the EU long-term budget; and if he has discussed same with his EU counterparts. [51849/19]
View answerThis week’s European Council will discuss the MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework) on the basis of a revised proposal put forward by the Finnish Presidency. This is the most recent iteration of the draft proposal by successive Presidencies in these complex negotiations, which are likely to continue well into 2020. The Presidency has proposed an overall level of 1.07% of EU27 GNI for the next MFF period 2021-2027 and has maintained or slightly increased the allocations for Cohesion and CAP, which are priority areas for Ireland. To maintain CAP and Cohesion spending at the level proposed by the Commission, the Presidency has proposed adjustments to a range of other programmes, including in the defence area. I am pleased that the revised proposal confirms that at least 25% of the EU budget should be devoted to climate action. The MFF negotiations feature regularly on the agenda of my bilateral meetings with EU counterparts so that we can explain and understand our respective priorities.
