Ljubljana - Slovenian MEPs have expressed satisfaction with the agreement between the European Parliament and member states about the next multi-year budget for the bloc and the pandemic recovery plan. All of them are especially happy that the agreement provides additional funds for key EU programmes.

Milan Brglez (S&D/SD) said he welcomed the agreement because it "repaired the bad impression left by the European Council and its compromise solution in the summer". He believes the agreement strengthens programmes that bring immediate and direct advantages for EU citizens and expects the agreement to be approved swiftly.

Romana Tomc (EPP/SDS) also welcomed the agreement, highlighting more funds for the digital agenda, climate change, health and youth. She believes it will benefit the entire EU and not only individual regions, also saying that the multi-year budget must be adopted as soon as possible.

Franc Bogovič (EPP/SLS) said the agreement was a great success for the European Parliament and its negotiators. "We reached a significant increase in budget funds for key programmes... provided a legally binding statement about establishing a system of own sources for the repayment of debt for the recovery fund, and established a historic share of the budget for the environment."

Irena Joveva and Klemen Grošelj (both Renew/LMŠ) issued a joint statement saying reaching the agreement fast was vital in order to avoid drawing of EU funds needed to mitigate the consequences of the health, economic and social crises.

They welcomed above all the increase in funds for research in the Horizon programme, tripling of funds for healthcare and EUR 2.2 billion funds for Erasmus.

Ljudmila Novak (EPP/NSi) also welcomed the agreement, adding that member states will have to present credible and targetted programmes to access the funds by the end of the year. She expressed support for the agreement on the respect for the rule of law being a condition to access the funds.

Tanja Fajon (S&D/SD) also welcomed the agreement, noting the "record high" budget for the coming years, labelling it progressive and ambitious. She also welcomed additional funds for key programmes, such as better security and management of external borders, for which she is a rapporteur.

Milan Zver (EPP/SDS) was above all welcoming of the increase in funds for Erasmus+, for which he is the permanent rapporteur, and the agreement to establish new own sources and a greater role of the Parliament in the oversight of the recovery fund.