The heated debates over the adoption of the 2011 budget have once again thrown into light the need for an open discussion on the best means for financing the activities of the European Union in the years ahead. 

This is all the more imperative as the EU prepares to formulate its proposals for spending priorities for the next seven year period. The Commission has committed itself to tabling a proposal on 'own resources' by the end of June 2011 but public discussion of the matter needs to start earlier. 

The original founding fathers of the European Economic Community foresaw the need for an autonomous source of revenue but over the years the EU budget has grown dependent on a direct transfer from Member States which has precipitated concerns over net national contributions and undermined EU solidarity. We need to go back to basics and examine the merits of genuine independent financing for the EU budget.

Contact for registration: jillian.sevenants@europarl.europa.eu