Romania must articulate a clear position – based on genuine consultations with civil society, social partners and local authorities – so that it can send a firm message on the future multiannual EU budget, MEP Victor Negrescu (S&D) told AGERPRES in Strasbourg on May 20.

“We are now in the preparatory phase of negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. The EP has a clear position and is calling for additional funding for local development and agriculture, the continuation of a dedicated health programme, and adequate resources for education and housing,” said Negrescu, who also serves as a Vice-President of the European Parliament.

In his view, Romania must ensure it retains the €60 billion allocated in the European Commission’s draft for the post-2027 MFF and identify major, EU-scale projects that could receive additional financing through the European Competitiveness Fund.

Another priority, the Social Democrat MEP added, is insisting on the equalisation of farm subsidies, so that Romanian farmers receive support comparable to that granted in Western Europe.

“The vast majority of public investment in Romania has been made with European funds, and Romania must continue to benefit from these shared resources,” Negrescu stressed.

It is also necessary to identify new revenue sources for the common European budget proposed by the European Commission – estimated at around €2 trillion – given that, for now, no funding streams have been agreed by all member states.

In this context, Victor Negrescu recalled that a few months ago he proposed creating EU own resources by taxing online betting and gambling platforms, through the application of an already existing national-level levy.

“I am referring specifically to a 1% increase. This could bring up to €28 billion to the EU budget in the next multiannual cycle. The proposal is tied to two conditions: the money must be directed towards education, youth, mental health, the protection of minors and preventive measures, and also towards combating illegal online platforms,” Negrescu explained.

These platforms currently account for 71% of the online gambling market, resulting in significant losses for national budgets and for the EU budget in the absence of a coordinated European approach.