Future EU budget
EU governments must cover all open bills for any meaningful negotiation to take place
A high-level meeting on the EU's future budget (multiannual financial framework) between European Parliament president Schulz, Commission president Barroso and President of the Council Enda Kenny agreed central points for a possible agreement. The outcome included a commitment by Council to pay a first installment for the supplementary EU budget necessary for 2013 (€7.3 billion). The compromise, which was approved by the EP's budget committee today in an indicative vote, opens the door for negotiations on the EU multiannual financial framework (2014-20). Commenting on the compromise, Green budgetary spokesperson Helga Trüpel said:
"It was high time for EU governments to deliver on their commitments but the sum agreed last night only represents a down-payment for this year's supplementary budget. If Parliament is to seriously engage in constructive negotiations on the future EU budget (2014-20), Council must show that it is a reliable negotiating partner and fully meet its obligations for this year's budget.
"The Commission has stated that the EU will need a total of €11.2 billion in additional funds to pay the outstanding balance for the current year. This is clearly a best-case estimate of what is needed to avoid further non-payment of commitments made by the EU institutions, with further financial difficulties at the end of the year foreseeable. Against this background, last night's agreement, which would only deliver an initial €7.3 billion, is clearly insufficient and will only plug the most urgent holes. EU governments must therefore urgently come up with the remaining €3.9 billion to ensure the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework can begin in earnest.
"Parliament must continue to insist on its core demands in the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework, which it set out with a large majority. This includes the requirement for a 'substantial increase' in budget lines for research, education and competitiveness. Without any moves to this end, prioritising sustainable economic recovery and green innovation, there can be no parliamentary approval for any MFF."
