21.05.2013 - Общи въпроси

Multiannual financial framework: time to agree

The Council pushes ahead to secure an agreement with the European Parliament on the next multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 before the summer break. At its meeting on 21 May the Council unanimously supported the Irish presidency's efforts to broker a deal by the end of June.

<p>© Dreaming Andy, Fotolia.com</p>

© Dreaming Andy, Fotolia.com

"It is in everybody's interest to reach agreement on the MFF before the summer", said the Irish Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore. "There is nothing extra to be gained by waiting until after the summer to reach this agreement. On the contrary: we cannot afford in any way to call into question the continuity of European Union programmes."

Mr. Gilmore also stressed the importance of a timely agreement for the beneficiaries. "The MFF matters to European citizens. The 960 billion euro is critical for investment in cohesion, investment in infrastructure, research and innovation, the common agricultural policy and the youth employment initiative. There is, I believe, a responsibility on all of us -  the Presidency, the Council, ministers and the European Parliament - to reach agreement on the MFF."

The Council took an important step vis-à-vis the European Parliament on 14 May when it agreed to provide an additional 7.3 billion euro for the 2013 EU budget and made a commitment to return to the issue later in the year.

"This was a very significant agreement on a large additional contribution earlier in the year than is normal, particularly at a time when national budgets are under real pressure. We will now continue to intensify our discussions with the Parliament on the MFF", said Mr. Gilmore.

The next meeting between the Presidency, the Commission and the European Parliament (the so-called trilogue) on the MFF is scheduled for 28 May.

 

See also:

 

Намерихте ли търсената от вас информация?

Да    Не

 

Какво търсехте?

Имате ли предложения?