European Parliament Committee approves interim report on 2028-2034 EU budget

The European Parliament's Environment Committee has approved an interim report regarding the EU budget for the 2028-2034 period with an 82% majority. The report was authored by Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela, representing the DISY party and the EPP group. Key priorities outlined in the report include the protection against natural disasters, such as the establishment of aerial firefighting stations and reforestation efforts. The proposal also highlights strategies for water management to address scarcity and policies to combat energy poverty by supporting investments in renewable energy and building upgrades. Furthermore, it advocates for improved funding infrastructure for local authorities regarding recycling and circular economy initiatives. The document also suggests simplifying access to European financial resources for farmers and small-to-medium enterprises. According to the rapporteur, these provisions are designed to strengthen the socio-economic and environmental resilience of Cyprus within the broader EU framework.