Brussels, 16/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - Figures released by the European Commission on Friday 16 April, show a surplus of €2.254 billion, or only 1.9% of the 2009 budget. The annual EU budget must be balanced (with no losses and no profits) at the end of the tax year. Thus any surpluses are automatically paid into the next year's budget, meaning that member states will enjoy a reduction in their contributions.
In a press release European Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski said that “the low level of leftover funds in 2009 demonstrates that we direct EU funds efficiently where agreed needs lie and that every euro paid into the EU budget is used for the benefit of our citizens”. Reforms brought in over the last few years have seen surpluses fall by some 90% since 2001. The 2009 surplus of 1.9% is slightly up on 2008's (1.5%, see EUROPE 9882). The main reason given is fluctuations in exchange rates.
The largest reductions in contributions will be enjoyed by Germany (€459.1 million), France (€371.6 million) the United Kingdom (€306.2 million), Italy (€287.9 million) and Spain (€196.2 million). (L.C./transl.rt)