Environment still the 'Cinderella' of the EU budget

Environment has been described as the 'Cinderella' of the European Union budget by EurActiv, who recently questioned environment commissioner Janez Potocnik over the crucial EU budget 2014-2020.

Potocnik has battled to get the proper time and attention dedicated to environment issues during his tenure, and in his latest proposal on Horizon 2020, he will look to get legally binding agreements that at least 60 per cent of the future programme for research and innovation will be devoted to environmental and climate issues.

In this way, the environmental agenda will play a key role in negotiations on the

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020. According to Potocnik, all sectors, from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), fisheries, cohesion, research and also external funding mechanisms have made major progress.

The CAP is a particular area of interest, as it has only had second pillar funding in the past. The new MFF proposals would make one-third first pillar which would provide direct aid to farmers, so long as they deliver some public good with the funding.

However, the funding measures have been criticised in the UK, with experts warning that Farmers are being encouraged to plough up some of the most quintessential English landscapes so that they can continue to claim European subsidies.

Overall, the significant restructuring should allow for more funding for environmental policy over all aspects in the future.

Posted by Lauren Steadman