A modern budget for a modern EU

Ignasi Ripoli In 2010 the debate on the next financial framework of the EU will gather momentum. Zoom In

In 2010 the debate on the next financial framework of the EU (2014-2020) will gather momentum.

Especially in times of economic crisis the EU has to demonstrate to taxpayers that its budget delivers added value, and that it supports long-term well-being and prosperity. It is beyond any doubt that long-term economic stability can only be achieved if climate change and biodiversity loss are addressed effectively. First results from the groundbreaking study on “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (www.teebweb.eu) clearly show that the costs of inaction on biodiversity would dwarf thos of the current economic crisis by far.

Against this backdrop there is a clear case for an EU budget that focuses on building a low-carbon, biodiversity friendly Europe, and that replaces environmentally harmful subsidies with incentives for sustainable use of natural resources. Polls show that the environment is one of the top areas where EU action is trusted, and expected, by citizens – a clear opportunity for greening the EU’s budget.

Under the Spanish Presidency:

• The European Commission should swiftly publish its delayed conclusion of the EU Budget Review consultation that took place in 2007/2008.
• The Presidency and the European Parliament should organise an open debate in all relevant Council formations and Committees on these conclusions.
• All EU Institutions must take initiatives to ensure that public budgets do not harm the environment but contribute to sustainable development and resilient ecosystems.
• The Spanish Presidency should use its extensive Natura 2000 network as a basis for arguing for much better funding from the EU for biodiversity and sustainable rural development.