Brussels:Sixteen EU leaders have urged for the maintenance of funding for the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This appeal was made through a letter addressed to Irish Taoiseach Miche¡l Martin, who serves as President of the Council of the EU.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the letter, dated October 2, was signed by the President of Cyprus, as well as the leaders of Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Romanian President Nicu?or Dan coordinated the initiative.

The letter was also copied to European Council President Ant³nio Costa, who will play a crucial role in the negotiations on the upcoming MFF following the October summit. The leaders emphasized the need for the next MFF to address new challenges and opportunities while maintaining treaty-based policies vital to European integration.

The leaders argue that Cohesion and CAP are essential for promoting regional convergence, strengthening the Single Market, and supporting less developed areas. They caution against cuts to these policies, highlighting that reductions in real terms are already proposed despite an overall increase in the MFF size. Such cuts, they warn, could weaken the EU budget and undermine public support for the European project.

Regarding revenue, the leaders express willingness to work constructively on new priorities requiring additional resources, while ensuring that funding for Agriculture and Cohesion remains intact. They suggest more gradual repayment of NextGenerationEU and targeted European debt instruments for strategic priorities.

The letter also calls for the removal of the rebate system, arguing that it is outdated. They urge the Irish Presidency to consider these points in preparing its Negotiating Box, and express readiness to collaborate with all member states for a balanced and adequately financed MFF.

The letter responds to a competing proposal from a group led by Germany, which advocates for significant budget cuts. The signatories plan to meet informally during the European Council on October 15-16.