Brussels, 18/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU General Affairs Council will briefly discuss the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020 on Tuesday 24 July. The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of Ministers does not, however, expect an in-depth debate. The Presidency will set out how it plans to organise work on the multiannual financial framework, the aim being to reach agreement towards the end of this year, and the European Commission will present its amended proposals on the 2014-2020 financial framework (see EUROPE 10651). Between 10 July and 19 July, the Presidency will have met each of the Council delegations to find out its priorities on the 2014-2020 framework, and will submit quantified proposals by September. The issue has also been put on the agenda of the informal meeting of European affairs ministers on 29-30 August.
The Commission is now looking at an overall envelope of €1,033 billion, equivalent to 1.08% of EU gross national income (GNI), for commitment appropriations, rather than €1,033 billion (1.05% of EU GNI) in its original proposal of 29 June 2011. The amended proposal puts a ceiling of €988 billion, or 1.03% of GNI, on payment appropriations, rather than the initial €972 billion (1% of GNI).
At the COREPER (committee of member states' permanent representatives to the EU) meeting on Wednesday 18 July, the so-called net contributor countries, such as the United Kingdom, pointed out the inconsistency between the seriousness of the economic situation and the increase in the size of the European budget for 20104-2020 proposed by the Commission. On the other hand, several “cohesion countries” said they feared the harm that would be done by reducing funding for cohesion policy. Some countries, such as Spain, suggested a mid-term review of the new financial framework so that needs can be assessed. (LC/transl.rt)