Latvian MEP Nils Ušakovs (Harmony) has been picked as rapporteur general of the European Parliament’s and other European institution’s budget for 2024, as reported by the politician’s office.
In the history of the European Parliament Latvian MEPs have served as rapporteurs for the budget only twice. The first one was in 2006, when Valdis Dombrovskis was picked.
For four years Ušakovs served as a shadow rapporteur for the EP budget, as well as shadow rapporteur for EP’s building policy. This year the EP voted on the review of the planning for one of EP’s buildings in Brussels, specifically the reconstruction of the building named after Belgian politician and founder of the European Union Paul-Henri Spaak.
Renovation of the building may cost between EUR 500 million to EUR 1 billion.
The MEP stresses that Europe is in a deep economic and social crisis. Thousands of European families have difficulty with covering heating and electricity bills.
«This are dramatic times that require solidarity. Taxpayers’ money needs to be spent with utmost caution, and the EP needs to set an example. There are no new jobs created, no expensive repairs; all additional requests will be reviewed very carefully. We are working with crisis budgets. No more «business as usual». We will adopt an austerity regime,» stressed Ušakovs.
In addition to the EP budget, Ušakovs will be responsible for other institutions’ budget, including the European Committee of the Regions, European Economic and Social Committee, European Union (EU) External Action Service, EU Court of Justice, EU Ombudsman, EU Data Protection Board and Court of Auditors.
Also read: Court finds ex-mayor of Riga accused of having spying equipment not guilty