Source: European Parliament
19.10.2025
Priority question for written answer P-004115/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
The persistence of the correction system, the so-called rebates, undermines one of the core principles of the European Union: solidarity.
These mechanisms, which grant flat-rate reductions on gross national income contributions to a handful of net contributors such as the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Sweden and Denmark, call into question the overall balance and coherence of our common budget.
At a time when the EU faces unprecedented challenges, from the financing of defence and innovation to the repayment of NextGenerationEU loans, maintaining a system of privileged rebates is politically outdated and economically counterproductive.
As highlighted in the Draghi Report, Europe needs a strong, predictable and autonomous budget to act effectively in a competitive global environment. That requires both new own resources and a fair contribution system where every Member State participates on an equal footing.
Rebates weaken the EU’s capacity to invest collectively and send the wrong message to citizens who expect responsibility and unity. The logic of ‘pay less, benefit more’ no longer fits Europe’s strategic ambitions.
In this context:
How does the Commission plan to address this imbalance and move towards the elimination of the correction system to secure a fair and sustainable financing of the EU budget?
Submitted: 19.10.2025