Former Prime Minister and Maltese MEP Alfred Sant expressed his satisfaction that his calls for EU funding to be directed towards all the regions of the EU with a dedicated provision for island and remote areas were included in a resolution preparing the European Parliament’s position on Multiannual Financial Frameworks (MFF) for post 2020. The report provides a well-needed strong emphasis on cohesion policy.

The resolution asks for an EU budget that matches political priorities and addresses the main challenges facing member states, especially migration, security, climate change and defence.

“I voted in favour of this Report outlining the Parliament’s position on the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework despite my reservations on its priorities related to an EU Defence Union. Further, I am not convinced of the approach by Members of this house to attempt to use co-decision power on the MFF in order to impose the EP's Own Resources position on the Member States.

Nevertheless, I recognise that the Report is tackling the failures of the previous MFF with the aim of producing a new MFF for post-2020 that will adjust to the needs of the EU. Further, this text embraces very important priorities such as the European Pillar of Social Rights, objectives towards education, child poverty, and crucially migration. It also focuses on improving our efforts to combat climate change and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” remarked the Maltese MEP.

The resolution provides the Parliament’s input to the EU Commission’s proposals on these matters due in May 2018. The report also calls for discussions to be launched without delay between the three institutions in order to try to reach an agreement before the European elections.

The  resolution passed with 458 in favour, 177 against and 62 abstentions.