JEF Finland has warmly welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for the Union’s multiannual financial framework for 2021–2027, published today. The framework sets out the boundaries for the EU’s annual budgets for the duration of the period. Among other things, the Commission’s proposal doubles funding for the Erasmus+ programme.
JEF Finland’s President Tuomas Tikkanen is pleased that the political programme adopted at JEF Finland’s General Assembly last December has now also gained the Commission’s backing: “This is an excellent proposal from the Commission, one that strengthens Europeanness precisely at the grassroots level and among the younger generation. It’s important that this is recognised with additional funding.”
The Commission’s proposal increases funding for research, security and mobility, while reducing funding especially for agricultural subsidies and cohesion policy. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting youth mobility. Strengthening European mobility and student exchange has also been Finland’s position. JEF Finland now calls on the Parliament and member states to show courage and resolve in supporting the Commission’s proposal.
“It would be harmful to encourage member states into a nationalist race over regional subsidies at the expense of young people. Erasmus is a European success story — student and teacher exchanges make European integration real at the everyday level,” concludes President Tikkanen.