Raffael Fitto, the EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, is engaged in a fierce battle within the Commission to ensure that the 2028-2034 budget includes the cohesion fund aimed at helping less developed European regions. He opposes Ursula von der Leyen's plans for budget simplification, which could lead to the marginalization of these regions. Critics fear that the proposed reforms may create a democratic deficit, allowing autocratic leaders to withhold EU funds from political rivals. Fitto and budget commissioner Piotr Serafin advocate for maintaining current funding levels and linking regional payments to local reforms, while the Commission's budget proposal is expected to be presented on July 16. Teljes cikk (Portfolio.hu)