{"id":8725,"date":"2026-05-25T13:43:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T11:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/u4unity.eu\/?post_type=link&p=8725"},"modified":"2026-05-25T17:48:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T15:48:53","slug":"the-link-n118","status":"publish","type":"link","link":"https:\/\/u4unity.eu\/en\/link\/the-link-n118\/","title":{"rendered":"The Link n\u00b0118"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/span>Defending a European budget commensurate with the existential challenges facing the Union<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
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The future of Europe cannot be discussed in isolation within restricted technocratic circles. Our societies need a genuine European public debate to enable citizens to understand the choices available to them and the consequences of those choices. This is why U4U has written to the President of the European Parliament, the President of the Council of the European Union, and the President of the European Commission, advocating for a European budget that addresses the existential challenges facing the Union<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madam President of the European Parliament,
Mr President of the Council of the European Union,
Madam President of the European Commission,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As European civil servants, our job is to build the European Union. We are deeply concerned today. Europe is currently facing an increasingly severe multi-crisis situation. This crisis is political, geopolitical, economic, climate-related and social.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 The democratic model based on the rule of law and international law is being challenged. Tensions between political and economic blocs are intensifying. From Washington to Moscow, our European project is under explicit attack, to the benefit of the continent\u2019s authoritarian and populist extremes, and we are becoming a prime target. We are being targeted as a symbol of the democratic values that we promote and uphold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, armed conflicts are multiplying: one is directly affecting the European continent; another is engulfing the Middle East; and a third could erupt in East Asia around Taiwan. Not to mention the possibility of a fourth in Latin America. Not to mention the conflicts in Africa, which receive too little attention. At the same time, the European Union itself is divided internally and is seeing the emergence of forces within its ranks that are openly hostile to the European project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Against this backdrop, the European Commission is proposing a multiannual budget of around two trillion euros. This is a comparable total to the previous budget, including the previous recovery plan. However, this figure is presented in nominal terms; adjusted for inflation, the actual budget is equivalent or lower.  Since the 1980s, the European budget has been capped at 1% of combined GDP. Consequently, exceptional funds of all kinds have multiplied in order to address urgent and significant security, prosperity and autonomy issues for 450 million citizens. Even more worryingly, this modest budget is already being openly challenged by several Member States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 This level of funding will not allow the Union to address the strategic challenges facing Europe, such as ensuring security, strengthening defence capabilities, leading the climate and energy transition, supporting investment in human capital (health, education, etc.), reindustrialising the continent, strengthening the competitiveness of our industries and guaranteeing social and territorial cohesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diagnoses are clear. They are well documented, particularly in recent reports on the future of the European economy. The potential solutions are also well understood. Yet, at this decisive moment, no Member State seems prepared to demonstrate the necessary political ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 At this decisive moment, a particular responsibility falls to you, the presidents of the European Union’s three major institutions. It is up to you to bring this debate into the European public arena, make it a democratic issue, and clearly set out its terms to the citizens of the Union. Without this debate and without the involvement of European citizens, we believe that the necessary solutions will not be realised. We cannot afford to bypass this political and democratic debate today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 The experience of Brexit should serve as a lesson to us. At the time, the European institutions largely remained silent in the face of the falsehoods and oversimplifications that dominated the public debate. This lack of democratic engagement left the field open to disinformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 The future of Europe cannot be discussed solely within restricted technocratic circles. Our societies need a genuine European public sphere, enabling citizens to understand the choices available to them and the consequences of those choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given your positions, you have the legitimacy and visibility required to initiate this debate. It is up to you to raise public awareness and stimulate discussion, including in the media.  Members of your respective institutions should participate in this process. If you do not take the lead, no one else will \u2014 and certainly not in time. The stakes go beyond budgetary issues alone. The European Union is in danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Founded on the rule of law, the protection of minorities, social solidarity and a commitment to combating climate change, the European model is one of the few credible democratic alternatives in a world marked by rivalry between major powers. This model is under threat and has been weakened. It must be defended. This requires political and budgetary resources that are proportionate to Europe\u2019s ambitions. It also requires clear, transparent and courageous public debate on the collective choices that must be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Europe cannot afford to retreat or remain inactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this debate is not opened now, the European Union will regress. Its principles will lose strength, and its capacity for action will continue to weaken. We are already witnessing the significant impact of lists that openly oppose the principle of European integration on elections in our Member States. The same is true in the European Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The European Union is in danger; the fire is already burning.  At this historic moment, it is up to you to defend it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georges Vlandas On behalf of the U4U Board of Directors
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See our EU budget page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>European Parliament: Elections for the Local Staff Committee (18\u201322 May 2026)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
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18 May 2026 marked the start of the election for the European Parliament\u2019s Local Staff Committee. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the work that the Local Committee has done on your behalf throughout its three-year term from 2023 to 2026. Most importantly, it is your chance to elect the Staff Committee members who will represent your interests and address the issues affecting your daily life.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Programme<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Local Staff Committee<\/strong> plays a vital role in our institution. Elected by you, the committee represents all civil servants and staff, taking practical action on issues that directly affect your daily life, such as:
\u27a1\ufe0f working conditions,
\u27a1\ufe0f health and safety,
\u27a1\ufe0f social initiatives,
\u27a1\ufe0f catering and childcare,
\u27a1\ufe0f working hours, appraisals and promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LSC is therefore a key player in social dialogue<\/strong>, enabling staff to make their voices heard and participate in decisions that affect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is voting so important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voting means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n