Croatian MEP Karlo Ressler (HDZ/EPP) has been appointed the European Parliament's rapporteur and negotiator on the EU budget for 2022, his office said on Friday.

Ressler is the youngest budget rapporteur in the history of the EP, assuming one of the most important roles ever held by a Croatian MEP, his office said.

He said the next two years would be crucial for economic and social recovery and that special emphasis would be put on those most affected by the COVID-19 crisis as well as on digital and green transformation, investment in quality jobs, science and research.

The budget must make sure that no generation, sector or region is left behind, he said, calling for investment in innovative sectors with high added value.