Piotr Serafin: The EU must invest more in defence to preserve peace and security along its borders

The European commissioner for the budget Piotr Serafin is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria.

Higher defence spending

The EU must increase investment in defence in its next seven-year budget for 2028–2034 in order to preserve peace within the Union and ensure security along its borders. Serafin cited Russia’s aggression and the war on the European continent as key reasons.

Priorities for the next EU budget

The next Multiannual Financial Framework must support common projects, security, competitiveness, regions and farmers. Serafin stressed the need to set clear priorities while retaining enough flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.

Competitiveness and innovation

The EU needs an economy capable of competing globally and driving innovation. Achieving this requires investment and a scale of resources that individual member states cannot provide on their own.

Cohesion policy and agriculture remain essential

Serafin said these policies remain important for regional development and food security. However, they need to be modernised to ensure that every euro spent delivers the greatest possible impact.

Joint European funding

Cutting the EU budget would not necessarily save taxpayers money. If member states do less together, they will have to spend more individually, while some projects may not be possible without joint European funding.

Flexibility in times of crisis

Serafin highlighted the need for budgetary reserves to help the EU respond to unexpected events, including natural disasters and crises in the agricultural sector.

Transparency and accountability

The next EU budget should ensure that every euro delivers maximum impact and that funds do not end up in the wrong hands. Serafin stressed the importance of tackling corruption and enforcing the law in every member state.

Bulgaria’s position

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov said the EU needs an ambitious, larger budget to meet its new priorities. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining cohesion policy alongside new priorities such as defence and competitiveness.