Pavel Branda, Deputy Mayor of Rádlo in the Czech Republic and ECR COTER coordinator, addressed Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration, during the debate on the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework at the July plenary session. Mr Branda stressed that our Union is facing a major crisis. “Our economy requires a stimulus and our people require financial aid. Throughout Europe, businesses are struggling to stay open and the hits took to trade, tourism and industry have been felt by our whole communities."

Furthermore, Mr Branda stated that “We need an ambitious financial plan but, more importantly, we need to channel support to our citizens as fast and as simply as possible." Mr Branda then turned to the European Commission's proposal to introduce new EU own resources. He said: “one may say extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary solutions. However, we are talking about new European taxes, which is money diverted from citizens. I call on you, Commissioner, to evaluate the proposals on new own resources with extreme caution and choose only those that do not put any Member State in a disadvantaged position."