Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is set to address the European Parliament today, amidst ongoing negotiations for the European Union's budget for 2028-2034. Montenegro's speech is scheduled for 10:30 local time in Strasbourg, after a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. This address is part of the "This is Europe" debate series, initiated by Metsola in January 2022, allowing EU leaders to share their vision for the future of Europe.
The speech comes at a critical time, as EU leaders are preparing to discuss the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU's long-term budget. The President of the European Council, António Costa, aims to finalize the budget by the end of the year. Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, is expected to present its negotiating proposal for the next EU budget by the end of the week.
Montenegro's address is anticipated to focus on the EU budget, particularly the preservation of funds for cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy. The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of maintaining these funds, warning that cuts could undermine support for the EU. Last week, Montenegro signed a letter with 16 other EU leaders, urging the preservation of these policies in the next budget.
The debate on the EU budget has seen differing opinions among member states. A letter signed by Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Sweden, the largest net contributors to the EU budget, suggested cuts of "hundreds of billions of euros." In response, Montenegro and other leaders stressed that reducing cohesion policy and CAP funding would weaken EU support.
The European Parliament's largest group, the European People's Party, to which the PSD and CDS belong, has highlighted the significance of Montenegro's speech. An EPP advisor stated that the address will provide an opportunity to hear Portugal's priorities for Europe and its vision for a budget that strengthens security, competitiveness, and cohesion.
Following his speech, Montenegro will meet with 21 Portuguese MEPs for lunch before returning to Lisbon. This engagement with the European Parliament is seen as a crucial moment for Portugal to assert its stance on EU policies and budget priorities.
The outcome of the EU budget negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the bloc's policies and funding allocation. As Montenegro addresses the European Parliament, his remarks are expected to reflect Portugal's commitment to preserving key funding areas and promoting a cohesive and competitive Europe.
Key points
- Montenegro to emphasize preservation of EU funds for cohesion policy and Common Agricultural Policy
- EU budget negotiations ongoing, with Ireland to present proposal by end of week
- Montenegro's speech part of European Parliament's "This is Europe" debate series
