MEPs fear EU budget delay, ask for ‘Plan B’

European Parliament group complains about national leaders’ intransigence, and demands contingency plans

The Socialists and Democrats political group—the second largest in the European Parliament—has warned that a political deadlock could delay payments from the EU’s 2021-27 budget, and called for backup funding plans to be put in place.

In a statement on 21 January, the S&D group blasted national leaders in the European Council for their “lack of flexibility” on the budget. MEPs in the group and more broadly are unhappy that the Council is seeking to cut the European Commission’s budget proposal and limit the Parliament’s input.