Speech by Piotr Serafin, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration

Session: The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting

Date: 2025-10-15 17:00

Total Speeches: 2

Membership: 15

Agenda Duration: 15m

AI Summaries: 2/2 Speeches (100.0%)

Analysis: Structured Analysis

Analysis

Summary

The European Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), extending until 2035, was presented to the esteemed members of the Riigikogu. The speaker highlighted Estonia's historical role and current strategic importance on the European Union's northeastern border, particularly in Narva, considering Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The proposal aims to strike a balance between maintaining successful policies (cohesion, agriculture) and addressing new geopolitical challenges (defense, security, competitiveness).

The MFF proposal keeps the budgets for cohesion and agricultural policies nominally stable but redirects new resources to strategic areas. The defense and space component within the competitiveness fund will increase fivefold, reaching 131 billion euros. Support for border management and migration to member states will triple to 34 billion euros, and the funding for Frontex and Europol will also be doubled. Furthermore, a €150 billion SAFE instrument will be established for defense sector investments, utilizing the EU's borrowing capacity. Funding for military mobility will increase tenfold to 18 billion euros, supporting infrastructure projects such as Rail Baltic. Estonia's role in protecting the EU's external border is clearly acknowledged, which will result in reinforced funding for border management and infrastructure. The budget also emphasizes flexibility in responding to crises and the continued conditionality of receiving EU funding upon respecting the rule of law principle.

Decisions Made 1
Collective Decision

Decisions were not made

Euroopa Komisjoni volinik Piotr Serafin
17:01:24
AI Summary

The speaker emphasized that Estonia's long-standing tradition of openness and cooperation is currently facing a serious test, which is Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. He highlighted Narva as the border between two opposing worlds—fear and freedom. Proceeding from this geopolitical context, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that will guide Europe until 2035. The goal of the proposal is to strike a balance between traditional, successful policies (such as cohesion and agriculture, whose budgets remain nominally stable) and new, urgent challenges, namely defense, security, and competitiveness. In the new budget, new funds will be directed primarily towards strengthening security and competitiveness. Funding for the defense sector will increase fivefold, reaching €131 billion, and a €150 billion SAFE financing instrument will also be established to support it, enabling immediate investment. Furthermore, funding for military mobility will be increased tenfold (€18 billion) to improve strategic infrastructure, such as Rail Baltic. Funding for border management will be tripled (€34 billion), clearly recognizing Estonia's important role in protecting the EU's external border. Central to the budget modernization is also the European Competitiveness Fund (totaling €410 billion), which combines investments in clean technology, the digital sector, and defense. Supporting Ukraine is a strategic priority, with €100 billion allocated outside the MFF. The new financial framework is more flexible and responsive, including a crisis mechanism to cope with unexpected shocks. Finally, the speaker stressed that respect for the rule of law remains the fundamental condition for receiving EU funding. The new budget is policy expressed in numbers, which must make Europe stronger, capable of defending its territory and values, and confident in its ability to act globally.

Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
17:17:22
AI Summary

The speaker began his brief address to Mr. Serafini with deep and sincere gratitude, highlighting his significant contribution and dedication. Official recognition for the work done by Serafini was expressed before Parliament, noting his personal diligence and the valuable, essential contribution he made. This served as a clear tribute to his efforts and commitment. To conclude, the speaker extended his best wishes to Mr. Serafini for the future. The words of thanks were followed by an official congratulation and wishes for success in his future endeavors, thereby acknowledging his contribution and marking his formal departure.