The Socialists & Democrats (S&D) Group condemns the proposal, warning it would hollow out cohesion and agricultural policies. Instead, they call for issuing common EU debt, expanding social funds and creating fresh EU own-resources.
Alexander Jungbluth, MEP for the ESN Group and full member of the Budgets Committee (BUDG), responded:
“What the Commission is proposing is nothing less than another attempt to steer national fiscal policy from Brussels through the back door. Such conditionality does not bring more transparency or efficiency—it undermines the budgetary sovereignty of the Member States.
We categorically reject any form of centralist meddling by a technocratic Commission. Europe can only work on the basis of partnership, not through political blackmail of the ‘money only for obedience’ variety.
Even more absurd are the Socialists’ counter-demands. Anyone who rejects all conditionality yet simultaneously calls for permanent EU debt, new own-resources and billions for vague ‘social investments’ turns the EU budget completely upside down—a bottomless pit!
Our position is clear: no EU debt union, no tax-raising powers for Brussels, no blanket redistribution at the expense of fiscally sound states. If you want funds, you must accept responsibility.
The ESN advocates a targeted EU budget policy that enables investment without eroding national sovereignty. Performance, transparency and individual responsibility must once again be the yardsticks.”
