On a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world

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AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Culture and Education submits the following to the Committee on Budgets, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Motion for a resolution

Recital C

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

C. whereas spending through the Union budget, if effectively targeted, aligned with the Union’s political priorities and coordinated with spending at national level, helps to avoid fragmentation in the single market and to boost the overall impact of public investment; whereas public investment is essential to incentivise private investment;

C. whereas spending through the Union budget, if effectively targeted, aligned with the Union’s political priorities and coordinated with spending at national level, helps to protect fundamental rights and the rule of law, foster cohesion and equality, avoid fragmentation in the single market and boost the overall impact of public investment; whereas public investment is essential to incentivise private investment;

Amendment 2

Motion for a resolution

Recital E a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ea. whereas culture contributes to the EU’s main strategic priorities as it enhances European resilience and serves as a safeguard for democracy, particularly in increasingly polarised societies; whereas, beyond its democratic and social benefits, culture also drives economic competitiveness and fosters innovation1a;

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1a According to the European Parliamentary Research Service, each euro invested in common EU action supporting or complementing existing funding for the creative and cultural sector could potentially generate a return of up to EUR 11 of GDP.

Amendment 3

Motion for a resolution

Recital G

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G. whereas the context in which the Commission will prepare its proposals for the post-2027 MFF is every bit as challenging, with the established global and geopolitical order changing quickly and radically and the Union budget needing to change accordingly;

G. whereas the context in which the Commission will prepare its proposals for the post-2027 MFF is every bit as challenging, with the established global and geopolitical order changing quickly and radically and the Union budget needing to change accordingly; whereas, given these challenges, it is essential to safeguard programmes that promote fundamental values, strengthen social cohesion and foster cultural resilience, which are crucial for reinforcing European unity and solidarity in times of uncertainty and growing fragmentation;

Amendment 4

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Ga. whereas the benefits of learning mobility include gaining the knowledge and skills needed for personal, educational and professional development, and building a strong sense of citizenship and an understanding of common values across Europe and beyond;

Amendment 5

Motion for a resolution

Recital G b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

Gb. whereas the role of a pluralistic and independent civil society, at the Member State and EU levels, is fundamental for the democratic resilience of our societies;

Amendment 6

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 2

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

2. Stresses that all spending in the post-2027 MFF must be strategically aligned with the EU’s political aims, adding tangible value for the people of the Union, with discernible net benefits compared to spending at national or sub-national level and leading to real and lasting results;

2. Stresses that all spending in the post-2027 MFF must be strategically aligned with the EU’s core values and political aims, adding tangible value for all people of the Union, with discernible net benefits compared to spending at national or sub-national level and leading to real and lasting results that aim for inclusiveness, sustainability, transparency and excellence; calls for a more coherent approach to the funding of culture and youth, reducing fragmentation and ensuring better alignment with the Union’s strategic priorities to maximise its impact;

Amendment 7

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11a. Calls on the Commission to establish a large-scale, long-term coordinated funding programme for research, development, innovation and deployment in the field of language technologies at the EU level, tailored specifically to Europe’s needs and demands1a and fostering EU competitiveness and tech sovereignty;

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1a Such as those put forward in its resolution of 11 September 2018 on language equality in the digital age (OJ C 433. 23.12.2019, p. 42).

Amendment 8

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13a. Underlines that culture and European cultural heritage are central to Europe’s values, identity, democracy and strong societies, not only fostering creativity but also strengthening communities, supporting the economy, enhancing well-being and playing a crucial role in Europe’s resilience, security and sovereignty; stresses that Europe should remain a cultural power and export European culture throughout the world;

Amendment 9

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13b. Points out that the EU has solid well-known EU programmes promoting culture, sport and youth, which people easily associate with the EU; emphasises the importance of Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and Creative Europe, with brands like the European Capitals of Culture, the European Heritage Label and Culture Moves Europe; strongly calls for these programmes to be maintained and reinforced in the next MFF;

Amendment 10

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14. Underlines that a more competitive, productive and socially inclusive economy helps to generate high-quality, well-paid jobs, thus enhancing people’s standard of living; emphasises that, through programmes such as the European Social Fund+ and Erasmus+, the Union budget can play an important role in supporting education and training systems, boosting workforce adaptability through reskilling and upskilling, and thus preparing people for employment in a modern economy;

14. Underlines that a more competitive, productive and socially inclusive economy helps to generate high-quality, well-paid jobs, thus enhancing people’s standard of living; emphasises that, through programmes such as the European Social Fund+ and Erasmus+, the Union budget plays an important role in fostering societies, reducing inequalities, supporting and developing education and training systems, boosting workforce skills and adaptability through reskilling, upskilling, and vocational education and training (VET), and thus preparing people for employment in a modern economy, leading to economic growth; stresses that targeted support for education and training institutions is fundamental in order to fill labour shortages and address the competitiveness challenges Europe is facing;

Amendment 11

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14a. Stresses that, through a targeted budget, the EU can create more interconnected educational environments that fuel innovation and opportunities for all in the global, knowledge-based, highly competitive economy; highlights the powerful complementarity between innovation and education, which increases when researchers and learners from all backgrounds can participate in educational mobility programmes; insists, therefore, that the new MFF must adequately support the EU programmes that facilitate mobility and offer opportunities in order to boost innovation and address the competitiveness challenges Europe is facing;

Amendment 12

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14b. Highlights the key role of the flagship programme Erasmus+ in providing opportunities for educational mobility, learning, cultural exchange and personal and skills development, equipping all beneficiaries, including VET students, to thrive in the modern economy, while promoting European values and fostering active citizenship across the Union; calls for continued and increased funding for Erasmus+, including for individual grants, to maximise its reach and impact across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds;

Amendment 13

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14c. Emphasises that sport is a key factor in overcoming inequalities and promoting social cohesion and a healthy lifestyle for all European citizens, regardless of background or ability and that it is, at the same time, an important economic driver; reiterates that Erasmus+ already plays a key role in sports with a modest budget, having funded over 1 400 sports organisations since 2021 and supported more than 2 000 mobility opportunities for coaches and staff in 2023; calls, therefore, for increased funding for sport in the EU budget, including increased support for the grassroots level and self-standing initiatives, with a particular focus on people with physical or mental disabilities;

Amendment 14

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14d. Recognises the European Solidarity Corps as a key initiative inspired by EU values, which fosters youth engagement, social resilience and preparedness in response to societal and humanitarian challenges; highlights the fact that participation in the programme equips young people with valuable skills, easing young people’s transition into employment; calls for increased and sustained investment in the European Solidarity Corps to meet growing demand, expand its reach and ensure broader accessibility for all young people, and underlines the high absorption capacity of the programme;

Amendment 15

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Insists that the Union budget should continue to support important economic and job-creating sectors where the Union is already a world leader, such as tourism and the cultural and creative industries;

15. Insists that the Union budget should increase support for important economic and job-creating sectors where the Union is already a world leader, such as tourism and the cultural and creative sectors and industries; underscores, in this context, the significant role of the cultural and creative industries, which contribute approximately 4 % of the EU’s GDP and employ over 8 million people1a, therefore significantly enhancing job creation, social cohesion and innovation; underlines that investments in these sectors can foster social integration and promote cultural diversity;

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1a European Commission, ‘Cultural and Creative Industries’, https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/cultural-and-creative-industries_en.

Amendment 16

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15a. Recalls that Creative Europe is the only EU funding programme dedicated exclusively to supporting the cultural and creative sectors and industries, also protecting freedom of artistic expression and facilitating access to culture; stresses that culture plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and contributing to a united and resilient Europe in the face of global challenges and crises; highlights the fact that investing in the Creative Europe programme generates strong returns in terms of employment, economic growth and competitiveness; strongly believes that Creative Europe should remain a standalone programme with a distinct budget line and a reinforced budget;

Amendment 17

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15b. Stresses that the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme is key in order to enhance civic engagement and participation and defend fundamental rights; calls for the programme’s budget to be increased in the next MFF to meet the growing demand for civic engagement and democratic participation initiatives and the development of communities in the EU, which provides citizens with a stronger incentive to be involved in educational projects, culture and historical remembrance;

Amendment 18

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 33

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

33. Underlines that, with technological change, it has become easier for malicious and opportunistic foreign actors to spread disinformation, interfere in elections and mount cyberattacks against the Union’s interests; insists that the next MFF must invest in enhanced cybersecurity; points to the importance of digital and media literacy and critical thinking in this regard, and to the need for continued Union budget support for initiatives in these areas;

33. Underlines that, in a society of rapid technological change and information overflow, it has become easier for malicious and opportunistic foreign actors to spread disinformation, encourage online hate speech, interfere in elections and mount cyberattacks against the Union’s interests; insists that the next MFF must invest in enhanced cybersecurity to ensure the long-term stability of the Union; points to the importance of ensuring quality education programmes that bridge the digital divide and help all citizens to acquire digital literacy and media literacy skills in order to develop informed views concerning digital technologies, AI, data and responsible media use; stresses the need for continued Union budget support for initiatives to strengthen Europe’s resilience and technological autonomy, protect and empower users online, and promote Europe’s values of transparency, the rule of law and innovation;

Amendment 19

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 33 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

33a. Recognises the fundamental role of free, pluralistic and independent media and journalism, both in supporting European democracy and in making European citizens resilient to foreign interference and disinformation operations; stresses the need to move towards a more integrated European media and audiovisual area; stresses the need for the new MFF to support collaboration and technological innovation in the media sector and to promote the development of AI-driven solutions based on shared European values; calls for a reinforcement of actions and new initiatives to protect media freedom and to support independent journalism and media, in particular those covering European affairs;

Amendment 20

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37a. Highlights the crucial role of education in addressing global challenges and underscores the importance of Erasmus Mundus as a vital instrument of the EU’s external action, as by fostering international academic cooperation and exchanges, Erasmus Mundus enhances the EU’s global influence, strengthens ties with partner countries and equips future leaders with the skills and knowledge to address global challenges, thereby reinforcing the Union’s resilience and its capacity to lead in global affairs;

Amendment 21

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46. Emphasises the importance of the Union budget in promoting and protecting democracy and the Union’s values, fostering the Union’s common cultural heritage and European integration, enhancing citizen engagement and youth participation and promoting fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the rule of law; points to the importance of independence of justice, the sound functioning of national institutions, support for civil society and de-oligarchisation;

46. Emphasises the importance of the Union budget in promoting and protecting democracy and the Union’s values, preserving and fostering the Union’s common culture and cultural heritage, youth participation in cultural and civic life, and European integration, and enhancing citizen engagement; stresses that culture and education are essential in reinforcing democratic resilience, promoting fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the rule of law; points to the importance of independence of justice, the sound functioning of national institutions, support for civil society and de-oligarchisation;

Amendment 22

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46a. Demands improved monitoring of the projects financed by the programmes, to ensure that the beneficiaries and their projects respect EU values, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, and guarantee respect for these values, and to ensure that the beneficiaries do not commit any professional misconduct;

Amendment 23

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

53. Underlines, therefore, that the next MFF must ensure that, across the board, spending programmes pursue climate and biodiversity objectives, promote and protect rights and equal opportunities for all, including gender equality, support competitiveness and bolster the Union’s preparedness against threats;

53. Underlines, therefore, that the next MFF must ensure that, across the board, spending programmes implement youth mainstreaming, pursue climate and biodiversity objectives, promote and protect fundamental rights and equal opportunities for all, including gender equality, support youth engagement and cultural development, strengthen competitiveness and bolster the Union’s preparedness against threats; strongly believes that the next MFF is a defining moment to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to children’s rights, ensuring that they are not treated as a secondary issue but as a core pillar of EU policy and that child-focused investments are mainstreamed into EU policies for maximised impact and enhanced budgetary efficiency;

Amendment 24

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 59 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

59a. Stresses the important role of the European Schools system and its contribution to the creation of the European Education Area, with its mission of becoming a beacon for high-quality multilingual and multicultural education in Europe; recalls that Parliament set out a number of recommendations for an in-depth assessment and future-proof reform of the European Schools system in its resolution of 12 September 20231a; stresses the need for the European Schools to be endowed with an increased financial allocation in the next MFF to enable them to undergo the necessary reform, improve their governance and administrative efficiency and respond positively to the challenges ahead;

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1a European Parliament resolution of 12 September 2023 on the system of European Schools: state of play, challenges and perspectives (OJ C, C/2024/1757, 22.3.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/1757/oj).

Amendment 25

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 60

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

60. Stresses that the next MFF must be designed so as to simplify the lives of beneficiaries, harmonise rules wherever possible and cut unnecessary red tape and must be implemented as close to people as possible;

60. Stresses that the next MFF must be designed so as to make EU programmes more accessible and user-friendly, harmonise rules wherever possible and cut unnecessary red tape and must be implemented as close to people as possible; underlines that application procedures should be simplified so that, for example, small-scale and voluntary organisations, citizens and self-employed people are also able to apply successfully for Union funding, using a bottom-up approach;

Amendment 26

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 61

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

61. Calls for genuine simplification where there are overlapping objectives, diverging eligibility criteria and different rules governing aspects that should be uniform across programmes; considers that an assessment of which spending programmes should be included in the next MFF must be based on the above aspects, on the need to focus spending on clearly identified policy objectives and on the policy intervention logic of each programme;

61. Calls for genuine simplification where there are overlapping objectives, diverging eligibility criteria and different rules governing aspects that should be uniform across programmes; considers that an assessment of which spending programmes should be included in the next MFF must be based on the above aspects, on the need to focus spending on clearly identified policy objectives and on the policy intervention logic of each programme, as well as on its potential transformative effect;

Amendment 27

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 64 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

64a. Considers that, in certain areas, programmes under the next MFF need adequate and automatic mechanisms for adapting grants to actual inflation levels at regular intervals, in order to avoid a substantive loss of purchasing power over time for the final beneficiaries (as happens, for example, with the individual grants under Erasmus+ and the Melina Mercouri Prize);

Amendment 28

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 77

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

77. Deplores the fact that, under the existing architecture and despite the joint declaration by the three institutions as part of the 2020 MFF agreement whereby expenditure to cover NGEU financing costs ‘shall aim at not reducing programmes and funds’, financing for key Union programmes and resources available for special instruments, even after the MFF revision, have de facto been competing with the repayment of NGEU borrowing costs in a context of steep inflation and rising interest rates;

77. Deplores the fact that, under the existing architecture and despite the joint declaration by the three institutions as part of the 2020 MFF agreement whereby expenditure to cover NGEU financing costs ‘shall aim at not reducing programmes and funds’, financing for key Union programmes and resources available for special instruments, even after the MFF revision, have de facto been competing with the repayment of NGEU borrowing costs in a context of steep inflation and rising interest rates; stresses that EU programmes are an investment in the future of young Europeans and directly benefit citizens; underlines that any competition between the programmes and the repayment of NGEU borrowing costs sends the wrong message to citizens;

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The rapporteur for the opinion declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Date adopted

19.3.2025

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

25

4

0

Members present for the final vote

Nikolaos Anadiotis, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Laurence Farreng, Gabriela Firea, Mario Furore, Sunčana Glavak, Catherine Griset, Afroditi Latinopoulou, Lara Magoni, Nikos Pappas, Hristo Petrov, Giusi Princi, Emma Rafowicz, Sabrina Repp, Diana Riba i Giner, Nela Riehl, Manuela Ripa, Sandro Ruotolo, Marco Squarta, Zoltán Tarr, Zala Tomašič, Ivaylo Valchev, Annamária Vicsek, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski

Substitutes present for the final vote

Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Isilda Gomes, Bernard Guetta, Maria Guzenina

Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

Georgios Aftias

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

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