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Poland's Serafin outlines vision for EU budget overhaul

08.11.2024 10:30
Poland's nominee for its next European commissioner, Piotr Serafin, has outlined a vision for overhauling the EU budget during a hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Audio
Piotr Serafin, Polands pick for the EUs next budget commissioner.
Piotr Serafin, Poland's pick for the EU's next budget commissioner.Photo: EPA/CLAUDIO BRESCIANI via PAP

Serafin, who is Poland's candidate for EU budget commissioner, said during the hearing on Thursday that the next EU budget should support both reforms and investments across all member states.

He underscored the importance of collaborative planning with European capitals and regions to shape these initiatives effectively.

Serafin’s hearing lasted approximately three hours, during which he highlighted his primary objective: creating a cohesive budget that addresses Europe’s challenges rather than deepening divides.

He pointed to significant issues, such as economic uncertainty, climate change, and security concerns driven by Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

If confirmed, Serafin pledged to work on a budget framework that responds to these pressing issues.

Outlining his budgetary proposal, Serafin stressed the need for flexibility to enable rapid responses to crises. He advocated for a simpler budget, accessible to beneficiaries, and free from bureaucratic obstacles.

According to Serafin, the EU must maximize every euro by significantly boosting investment in Europe, with private capital playing a critical role due to the limits of public financing.

Serafin also proposed a new EU Competitiveness Fund to strengthen economic resilience. He argued that the EU needs to explore additional revenue sources beyond national contributions, as progress in this area has been slow.

Addressing financial abuses, he expressed intent to reinforce cooperation with entities like the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), noting that VAT fraud alone costs the EU €11 billion annually.

Security, a key concern, was also discussed. When asked by European Parliament member Bogdan Rzońca from Poland's Law and Justice party (PiS) about budget allocation for border protection, Serafin confirmed the EU's consensus on securing its external borders.

He remarked: “Without effectively protected external borders, there will be no Schengen, which would be a huge loss for the entire Union.”

Serafin said that funding for migration policies, including Frontex and integrated border systems, would continue under the new budget.

Addressing the topic of defense, Serafin noted his future collaboration with Andrius Kubilius, the incoming Defense Commissioner.

He emphasized the historical need for increased EU defense spending, suggesting that some of these costs might be supported by the EU budget, reflecting recent trends and ongoing security needs across Europe.

Piotr Serafin, nominee for EU Commissioner for budget, during his confirmation hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels on November 7, 2024. The EPP announced his nomination, but the final vote following the hearings, set for the end of November. Piotr Serafin. PAP/Wiktor Dąbkowski

Regarding cohesion policy, Serafin argued that regional support must remain central.

He refuted speculations that the EU might centralize funding under national programs instead of regional ones, clarifying that these rumors did not align with the European Commission’s stance.

While budget flexibility is essential, Serafin stressed that regions should not suffer from these adjustments.

In his closing remarks, Serafin addressed the urgency of current security and defense investments, acknowledging that the EU's next budget cycle starts in 2028, with tangible outcomes only expected by 2030.

“The need for defense spending is immediate; this requires serious discussion among EU leaders,” he stated, highlighting Europe’s responsibility to prioritize its own security independently of external influences.

Serafin, 50, is a seasoned politician with a longstanding career in European affairs. He previously held the role of Undersecretary of State for European Integration and served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2014.

From December 13, 2023, to October 2024, Serafin acted as Poland's Permanent Representative to the European Union.

In August 2024, the Polish government nominated him as Poland’s next European Commissioner.

(rt/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.