Júlio Magalhães
Joaquim Guerra
José Manuel Fernandes
MEP
José Manuel Fernandes is a European enthusiast. Born in 1967, in Moure, Vila Verde, he holds a degree in Systems Engineering and IT from the University of Minho. He has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2009, where he belongs to the group of the European People’s Party (EPP). He is the EPP’s coordinator in the Committee on Budgets. He was the rapporteur for the European Union Budget for 2016 and of the European Fund for Strategic Investments - the so-called ‘Juncker Plan’. He is currently the rapporteur for the new EU investment plan InvestEU and represents the EPP in the MFF Contact Group, which will negotiate the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and the European Union’s own resources.
You have recently been appointed rapporteur for the new Juncker Plan. What new challenge lies ahead on a professional level?
The new Juncker Plan, which goes by the name InvestEU, aims to mobilise 650 billion Euros in the 2021/2027period. After hundreds of hours negotiating on the Juncker Plan, I am prepared for InvestEU. We want to reach an agreement on the regulation later this year. This instrument is essential for economic growth, job creation and financing businesses.
What challenge does this new plan also represent for our country?
This instrument offers an additional opportunity: Portugal will be able to put up to 5% of the next funds in the Guarantee Fund, about 1.65 billion Euros, which will allow the mobilisation of more than 56 billion Euros in previously defined areas. Portugal needs to know what it wants and to define these areas of funding. I consider that the rail system, the completion of the water and sanitation network, forestry, social housing and the construction of student housing are examples of areas that could be financed through this instrument. Portugal can thus guarantee the mobilisation of more than 56 billion Euros of investment, in addition to being able to apply for the 650 billion Euros from InvestEU.
«I feel that I am useful to Portugal and the EU»
Do you consider that Portugal has been able to take advantage of this EU tool of community funds?
The implementation of Portugal 2020 is below the desirable level: 28%. As of 30 June, we had received only 7.2 billion Euros from the EU budget, out of a total envelope of 26 billion Euros. The difference is also large in terms of approvals: by 30 June 2018, we already had more than 16 billion Euros approved, but only 7.2 billion implemented.
Depending on your willingness, will this professional connection to Europe go on for many years? What makes you continue to believe in this project?
I love the work I’m doing. I am the coordinator of the European People’s Party in the Committee on Budgets, which obliges me to keep abreast of all the budgetary dossiers and to negotiate permanently with the other political groups. I make no secret of the fact that I would like to continue to carry out this work in the next legislature.
About yourself: Can you say you have a passion for the EU?
The EU has ensured peace, democracy, freedom and values. It’s a passion worth having! Unfortunately, we do not value the successes of the EU. We can only overcome the challenges of globalisation, climate change, migration and the scarcity of natural resources if we share a common path and a joint and structured strategy.
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Editorial Team
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