“The EU budget for the financial year 2014 will play a crucial role in supporting growth and jobs. I am convinced that the Council's position represents the necessary balance between the financial capacity of Member States and the need to finance growth-oriented programmes. The economic situation in EU countries remains difficult, and national budgets are constrained. We must ensure the timely and appropriate implementation of EU budget programmes on the one hand, and at the same time limit deficits in the national budgets of EU Member States to the required levels”, Lithuanian Vice-Minister Algimantas Rimkūnas said after presenting the Council’s position. Lithuania is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Vice-Minister took positive note of the first budgetary trilogue on the EU budget, which took place last week in Brussels. The European Parliament and the Council agreed on high priority being given to programmes and actions supporting employment and growth. This is an important starting point for negotiations on the 2014 EU budget, which will take place in October and November 2013.
The EU budget for the financial year 2014 will be the first annual budget under the new multiannual financial framework. The Council's position foresees €142.2 billion in commitments, and €135 billion in payments. Priority is given to youth employment, research, ERASMUS, SMEs and other programmes designed to ensure Europe’s sustainable growth and fight against unemployment.
The Council’s position also foresees appropriate margins (€1 billion) in order to meet potential unforeseen expenditure needs.
Press release
Lewandowski “deeply concerned” with the Council’s position
See also EU budget 2014: despite pledges, Council seeks to cut growth and jobs spending
© Lithuanian Presidency
Key
Hover over the blue highlighted
text to view the acronym meaning
Hover
over these icons for more information
Comments:
No Comments for this Article