At a pivotal juncture in the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework for the period 2021-2027, Mr Koopman discusses the Commission’s proposal for a long-term budget that focuses on EU added value, greater funding for priority areas, the rule of law, less red tape and budgetary agility to cope with emerging challenges. Mr Koopman argues that the road ahead should lead to an ambitious but realistic target: clarity and predictability on EU public investment backed by a political agreement by the end of this year.
About the Speaker:
Gert-Jan Koopman was appointed Director-General for Budget in the European Commission in August 2018. Previously, Mr Koopman was responsible for State Aid at the Directorate-General for Competition and was a Director in the Directorates-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, and Enterprise and Industry. He also worked in the Cabinets of Commissioner Neil Kinnock – lastly as his Head of Cabinet. Mr Koopman holds degrees in Economics and Classics from the University of Amsterdam.
