13 June 2013

EP group leaders remind Council of elements needed for multi-annual budget deal

The Conference of Presidents is very disappointed that the Council's reluctance to compromise has not yet allowed for an agreement on the MFF 2014-2020 to be reached. The EP has already made far-reaching concessions and is clearly showing its willingness to reach a reasonable deal.

However, on the European Parliament's main priorities as supported by 507 votes in its March resolution, regrettably, there has been no real movement on the side of Council. Nevertheless, the Conference of Presidents recognises the efforts of the Irish Presidency of the Council and appeals to those Member States who are blocking progress to reconsider their position in order for this important deal for European citizens to be reached.

The Conference of Presidents once more confirmed that:

• without a convincing guarantee from the Council to agree on budgeting the full additional amount of €11.2 billion requested by the European Commission in its Draft Amending Budget no 2 to enable payment of the Union's bills for the current year;
• without true flexibility for commitments and payments across headings and across years to allow the use of the full amounts foreseen for 2014 to 2020;
• without an obligatory revision clause making it possible to reassess the budgetary needs during the MFF period and adjust them, if necessary, allowing the newly elected European Parliament to play its role; and
• without a clear understanding on a viable way and timetable for the setting up of a true system of own resources for the European Union,

the necessary majority in Parliament to consent to the next MFF will not be achieved.

The Conference of Presidents urges the Council at this stage of the negotiations to work constructively together with Parliament and to be ready for a compromise. Such a compromise would unite the Member States' wish for budgetary predictability and the need for a modern budget equipped with the right mechanisms allowing the Union to quickly react to new challenges and a fast changing environment. The Conference of Presidents believes that such a deal is still within reach.

Press release

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