On 18 July, ministers from our political family responsible for European affairs met in Brussels for a high-level exchange ahead of the General Affairs Council (GAC).
Hosted by ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP, Ministers discussed the European Commission’s draft proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), presented earlier this week. Ministers exchanged views on how to ensure the future EU budget is simplified, strategic and citizen-focused.
They underlined the need for a modern MFF that delivers real impact: boosting Europe’s resilience and sustainability, investing in security and innovation and cutting red tape to allow faster access to EU funds at local level.
Participants included:
- Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation, Trade and the Greater Region (DP, Luxembourg)
- Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for European Affairs (Fianna Fáil, Ireland)
- Benjamin Haddad, Delegated Minister to the Prime Minister, in charge of Europe (Renaissance, France)
- Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering (SFP, Finland)
- ·Chair: ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP (FDP, Germany)