An unchanged, flexible and future oriented EU budget is called for
The 2014-20 EU budget framework should be kept unchanged
In the eyes of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework should be a flexible instrument reflecting the political decisions and ambitions among member states. It is not to be used for detailed management for a long period into the future. The 2014-20 EU budget framework should be kept unchanged – not least in the light of the current economic and financial crisis and the need for tight management of public expenditure. However, changing the framework should be possible if, for instance, a decision is made to raise the level of activity in the EU, or if the EU is enlarged. More specifically, the Danish Agriculture & Food Council takes the view that:
- The EU budget must underpin the EU growth agenda as formulated in Europe 2020, which must also support a competitive and export oriented agriculture and food sector.
- Denmark is the second-largest net contributor to the EU, and we must be certain that future reforms, e.g. in the area of agriculture, do not put Denmark in an economically inferior position. This can be achieved, for instance, through a fairer Danish share of the EU Rural Development Policy.
- It must be ensured that Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy remains fully funded by the EU. Funding through national co-financing entails a risk of renationalisation of the agricultural policy and distortion of competition.
