5 EU commissioners oppose proposed 17.4% cut to global cooperation budget
- Commissioners warn that reduced funding could undermine EU's global influence, security and partnerships, while limiting support for candidate countries
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- Commissioners warn that reduced funding could undermine EU's global influence, security and partnerships, while limiting support for candidate countries
By Seyma Erkul Dayanc
ISTANBUL (AA) - Five European Commission members have opposed a proposed 17.4% cut to the EU's Global Europe budget instrument, warning of risks to the bloc's global influence and security, Euronews reported Tuesday.
"Without adequate resources, the EU risks losing influence on the global stage and being more vulnerable to external factors," said a letter signed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and commissioners Marta Kos, Dubravka Suica, Jozef Sikela and Hadja Lahbib.
Their opposition followed a proposal by Ireland, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, to reduce funding for the program.
The commissioners warned that the proposed cuts could affect security, stability, prosperity and migration, while weakening the EU's ability to build international partnerships and respond toncrises.
They also stressed the importance of maintaining financial support for EU candidate countries, particularly to help them implement reforms required for accession.
The letter highlighted the need for continued cooperation with North Africa, the Middle East and Gulf countries, as well as sub-Saharan Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America.
EU leaders largely rejected Ireland's proposal at last week's summit, according to the report.
European Council President Antonio Costa is expected to present a revised compromise ahead of a special summit scheduled for Nov. 26.
Şeyma Erkul Dayanç