Eastern countries want a say in the distribution of EU money

In talks with EU representatives in Brussels today (1.30 pm), the East German Minister Presidents want to clarify their positions on the future distribution of EU funds. "For the eastern German states, one thing is particularly important: that a central goal of the EU Commission remains the promotion of rural areas," said Thuringia's State Chancellor Stefan Gruhner (CDU) in the run-up to the 55th regional conference of the heads of government of the eastern German states in the Belgian capital.

Thuringia is chairing the Conference of Eastern German Minister Presidents this year. Meetings are planned with EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, EU Commissioner for Cohesion Raffaele Fitto and EPP Group Leader Manfred Weber.

Eastern states insist on a say

According to Gruhner, the eastern German states are insisting on continuing to have a say in the distribution of EU funds in the EU's new long-term budget. The discussion is about so-called cohesion spending, for example.

These payments currently account for more than a third of the EU budget and are intended to provide structural support for economically underdeveloped regions. To date, the federal states still have a say in the distribution, but according to the EU Commission's plans, the funds could in future be distributed at national level instead of at regional level.

Rejection of a cap on agricultural funds

Another topic is EU agricultural policy. Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt (CDU) had rejected a cap in the run-up to the meeting. Some East German farms cultivate significantly more land than companies in the West. This means that they would be hit much harder if the area-related funding were to be cut above a certain limit, as is currently being discussed for the next EU funding period from 2028.