Romania Seeks Balanced EU Budget

Romania will play an active and constructive role in shaping the European Union's post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced during a meeting with European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, CE Report quotes Agerpres

Ciolacu stressed Romania’s continued prioritization of the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which he called essential tools for reducing regional disparities, boosting convergence, and enhancing competitiveness.

He emphasized the need for the Cohesion Policy to retain a strong, separate allocation, especially for communities in need and regions close to Ukraine. Romania, he noted, achieved a 99.7% absorption rate of its €24 billion in EU funds from the 2014–2020 period, and is allocated €31 billion for 2021–2027—totaling €44.5 billion with national co-financing.

Regarding agriculture, Ciolacu underlined the CAP's vital role in ensuring EU cohesion and food security. Romania’s CAP funding for 2021–2027 stands at €20 billion, including €13.3 billion in direct farmer payments.

He also welcomed Serafin’s initiative to consult Member States directly, advocating for simpler, more flexible procedures for accessing EU funds.

Romania, a net EU budget beneficiary, has received €101 billion in funding since joining the EU, compared to its €33 billion contribution.

The meeting was also attended by high-ranking Romanian officials, including Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament.