
Rethinking the Budget introducing own resources
In order to provide greater investment in areas where it is most needed, and to make use of the huge economies of scale the Union can provide, some form of EU long term financing is required. More specifically, the question of the Union's revenues needs to be addressed. The long overdue budget review is required in order to overhaul the Union's financial system. The only way to end the entrenched debate between those countries that contribute and those that receive is the introduction of genuine own resources. This will also involve the citizens directly with the European budget debate.
The euro is also of vital importance and in the crisis has proved that the Union stands stronger together. We need to move fast towards the extension of the euro zone thereby bringing much needed stability to some of our newer Member States. Whilst investment in infrastructure is currently required in order to pull us out of recession the precept of the stability pact must not be forgotten and all Member States must demonstrate their commitment towards renewed fiscal rectitude.
Member States must come clean on use of taxpayers' money
After six years of political pressure by the Group of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) the European Commission today finally showed some willingness towards ensuring more transparency and better accountability of the management of...
read more
Liberals say EU funds must be better managed by Member States
Liberal and Democrat MEPs today reiterated their demand for more political accountability in the Member States for money spent by their own authorities. Jan Mulder (Netherlands, VVD), ALDE coordinator of the Budgetary Control...
read more
2013 budget guidelines: fiscal consolidation must go hand in hand with economic growth
The European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg tomorrow will adopt responsible and ambitious budget guidelines for 2013. During the debate scheduled for this evening, Liberal and Democrat speakers will insist on the...
read more















