EU budget proposal
Commission keeps head in sand and ploughs major new funding into nuclear technologies
The European Commission today presented its proposals for the EU budget 2012. The Greens hit out at proposals for a major increase in funding for the ITER nuclear fusion project, as well as cuts for energy networks among other areas. Green MEP and budgetary spokesperson Helga Trüpel said:
"There are some positive elements to the budget proposals, such as the increase in funding for fulfilling the EU2020 goal for intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as for the LIFE+ nature protection programme. However, unfortunately these increases pale in comparison to the funding foreseen for ITER. It is also highly regrettable that the Commission is cutting funding for development aid, all the more so given the necessary extra efforts required to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015."
