During the European Parliament hearing in Brussels candidate for budget commissioner Piotr Serafin presented an outline of the concept new EU budget. As he said, it will involve combining reforms with investments in each member state.
– We want to develop these plans in dialogue with European capitals and regions – he emphasized.
Piotr Serafin at the hearing in the European Parliament. Budget concept
He added that the new EU competitiveness fund is to play a key role in increasing the EU's competitiveness. Thirdly – as he said – the budget should be more flexibleso that you can respond quickly to crises.
– Fourthly, we need a budget that will be simpler, especially for the beneficiaries. (…) Access to European funds should not be a bureaucratic nightmare. Fifth, we must squeeze as much as possible out of every euro in our budget. Investment in Europe must increase dramatically. We also know that public finances cannot bear this burden on their own. Which is why we need to mobilize private capital – he informed.
As he said, his most important task will be to prepare the next EU budget “it should unite, not divide.”
Serafin emphasized that the economy and climate are not the only challenges facing the EU. In this context, he mentioned the threat to European security caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He announced that if elected, he would work on a budget that will be the answer to these calls.
Before the hearing began, Serafin told reporters that he had no doubt that he would face punishment “only difficult questions”. When asked how long he had been preparing, he replied “all his life.”
Hearings in Brussels. Piotr Serafin is waiting for a decision
From November 4 to 12, candidates for commissioners appear in person for hearings. Serafin appeared before the Committee on Budget (BUDG) and Budgetary Control (CONT) and, in the alternative, before the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) and Civil Liberties (LIBE).
MEPs can request this from the president European Commission Ursuli von der Leyen puts a new candidate in place of the person they think he is unsuitable for the position of commissioner. However, such a move in previous years was a last resort.
As EU budget commissioner, the Pole would be responsible for preparation draft of the new EU budget after 2027 The presentation of the project by the European Commission next year will start budget negotiations between member states, which unanimously approve the so-called multiannual financial framework.