Brussels, 20/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - In addition to the work they will have towards developing a partial general approach on the cohesion package (see other article above), European ministers for general affairs will continue their discussions on the negotiating box on the 2014-2020 financial framework by highlighting two of the most important themes - cohesion policy and agricultural spending.
Difficult discussions have already taken place on these themes at COREPER. On Thursday 18 April, EU countries were divided over what agricultural spending should be for 2014-2020 (see EUROPE 10598). Positions diverge on the extent and modalities for the future cohesion policy (see EUROPE 10590). In the next few weeks, the Presidency will complete the negotiating box on own resources (revenue). The General Affairs Council will hold a debate on 29 May on the consolidated version of this document (which is supposed to facilitate the conclusion of an agreement on the 2014-2020 package). An informal ministerial meeting will discuss this dossier again on the 10-11 June in Horsens (Denmark) and the European Council will tackle the matter on 28-29 June. (LC/transl.fl)