Brussels, 09/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Sources suggest that eurozone finance ministers were preparing on Monday 9 July 2012 to allow Spain to have until 2014 (rather than 2013) to bring its public deficit to below 3% of GDP, a decision expected to be approved at the ECOFIN Council of Tuesday 10 July. EU heads of state had already agreed to let Spain reduce its budget deficit to 5.3% this year, rather than the initially planned 4.4%, to give the country a breathing space. Spain's budget deficit will now be allowed to reach 6.3% in 2012, with the new 2013 target of 4.5% (compared with the 3% laid down in the Spanish Stability Programme). In 2014, Spain will be expected to reduce its deficit to 2.8% of GDP. (LC/transl.fl)