Inquiry into the EU Budget Review

Response to the Scottish Parlaiment’s Europe and External Relations Committee inquiry into the EU Budget Review.

As a general principle, LINK believes the majority of the EU budget should be targeted at protecting and improving public goods. This will require investment in ‘environmental and social capital’ including initiatives which encourage a shift towards truly sustainable consumption and production. Substantial efforts are required to align the EU budget to better deliver public goods and to tackle the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss in Europe and Scotland. Climate change and biodiversity loss are key policy priorities for the EU yet spending in these crucial areas has not yet reflected the rhetoric.