Brussels, 10/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz is apparently sceptical that the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020 can be concluded for the end of November through a compromise between the EU institutions.
An extraordinary European Council is planned for 22-23 November for the EU27 to discuss the EU budget for the 2014-2020 period. However, at this stage the Presidency has not yet brought forward any figures. It will be necessary to wait until the end of October for these, after the European Council on 18 October.
During a meeting with a delegation from the peripheral maritime regions on Tuesday 9 October (see other article), Schulz apparently said: “I do not believe there will be an agreement on the EU budget in November”.
Schulz's spokesperson, Armin Machmer, told EUROPE that the president feels this way because of the “complete refusal” of some member states to negotiate the budget on the basis of the Commission's current proposals. This is particularly the case for the United Kingdom and Sweden. Should the negotiations on this file fail at the end of November, it is much more likely that in 2013 - under Irish presidency - an agreement could be obtained, considerably delaying the budget agenda. (MD/transl.fl)