Strasbourg:Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela emphasized the importance of balancing fiscal discipline with adequate funding for EU institutions during a European Parliament debate on the EU's 2027 budget. He prioritized security, efficiency, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in his remarks.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Parliament is set to vote on its position regarding the 2027 budget on Wednesday, October 21. Hadjipantela, representing the European People's Party (EPP), serves as the rapporteur for sections of the budget excluding those pertaining to the European Commission, which are managed by Latvian MEP Nils Ušakovs of the Socialists and Democrats.

Hadjipantela noted that the budget is being crafted under significant financial constraints, as 2027 is the concluding year of the current Multiannual Financial Framework. He highlighted the importance of Heading 7, which pertains to EU administrative expenses, underscoring the need for sufficient resources to enable European institutions to operate effectively and independently.

He insisted on the non-negotiable nature of fiscal discipline, stressing that European taxpayers expect efficiency and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures. While advocating for responsible spending, Hadjipantela cautioned against budget cuts that might impair institutional functions or lead to greater costs in the future, advocating instead for an approach grounded in justified operational needs.

Furthermore, Hadjipantela pointed to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in modernizing EU administration, advocating for its responsible use in line with EU guidelines, while maintaining security and institutional resilience as priority concerns.

In another capacity as rapporteur for the Committee on Public Health opinion on the 2027 budget, Hadjipantela called for public health to be recognized as a strategic EU priority. He proposed the creation of a European agency for rare diseases to coordinate research and ensure equitable access to care, along with continuous support for individuals on the autism spectrum and funding for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to enhance medical evacuations and care for war victims.

In his closing remarks, Hadjipantela urged MEPs to support the proposed amendments and accompanying resolution, warning that further changes could compromise the balance achieved ahead of negotiations with the Council. Fellow rapporteur Nils Ušakovs expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Hadjipantela and other shadow rapporteurs, calling for unity to secure a strong negotiating mandate for the final budget under the current MFF.