Brussels, 29/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 June, the European Council was somewhat divided over the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2014-2020 but for now it is keeping to the timetable set, with a view to reaching an agreement by the end of 2012.
The United Kingdom doused the hopes of many countries with cold water. Italy, France and Spain had wanted to abolish the system of budgetary rebates. “I made it absolutely clear (at the European Council) that the British rebate is not up for discussion”, said Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who, with regard to the European budget, also stressed the need to spend more wisely rather than spend more. The United Kingdom called for a reduction of €100 billion in the amounts proposed by the Commission for 2014-2020 and for a funding freeze in real terms during the next financial framework. Germany also underlined the need to spend better, as did Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland.
Hungary felt it was the country that was most severely affected by the fall in cohesion policy funding, in light of the Commission's proposals. Cohesion policy is the best, most effective and most suitable tool available to the EU to be used in times of crisis with a view to modernisation and growth, said Donald Tusk, Poland's Prime Minister, speaking at his press conference on Friday 29 June. He added that this is a point of view shared by all. Poland also criticised the “reversed safety net” which is part of cohesion policy (capping of allocations).
The Baltic states called for more funding for the dismantling of nuclear plants and greater equity (as contained in the Commission's proposal) on the breakdown of agricultural subsidies. France mainly defended the need to maintain the budget for the common agricultural policy (as did Ireland).
In its conclusions, the European Council welcomed the progress achieved under the Danish Presidency, which provides a basis and guidelines for the final stage of the negotiation during the incoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council. The negotiating box will be further developed with a view to reaching an agreement by the end of 2012, while respecting the principle that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”. Work should be accelerated on the relevant legislative texts with a view to rapid adoption, following the procedures enshrined in the Treaty. In this process, all competent institutions are invited to cooperate closely, in line with Treaty competences. (LC/transl.jl)