Who will the EU be in the world of tomorrow?
Joint Statement from 54 groups in response to the mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework and in preparation of the EU’s next Strategic Agenda
Who will the EU be in the world of tomorrow?
“The mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget sends a damaging message to Europe’s partners, indicating that despite the extent of interlinked global challenges and despite the eradication of poverty being a stated aim of the EU, Europe’s primary focus lies in curtailing migration.
We are concerned that these cuts will diminish the bloc's capacity to act at the global level, at the expense of global stability, security and prosperity - all of which are essential for Europe itself.
The last 5 years have underscored the critical importance of multilateral cooperation and collective action in addressing pressing global challenges and threats, from the climate crisis to health security and escalating conflicts worldwide. However, as we approach the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is evident that significant portions of the world population are being left behind. In this context, it is incomprehensible that the EU, along with several Member States, has opted to reduce spending on sustainable development and climate
action.
Forcing trade-offs between the EU’s internal and external priorities is a false dichotomy. In an increasingly competitive, multipolar world, continued engagement on global challenges is imperative.