Brussels, 19/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 19 October, the European Commission proposed to reduce by €25.1 million its draft budget for 2013, which was presented in April. The Commission adopted the autumn amending letter, which enables an update of EU funding needs in agriculture and fisheries agreements with third countries.
The estimated needs for agricultural spending in 2013 now amount to €44.1 billion - in other words €30 million less than in April's draft 2013 budget. As regards international agreements in the area of fisheries, the increase is of €4.7 million.
In its proposal of 25 April 2012, the Commission proposed a rise of 2% in commitment appropriations, to €150.9 billion. It is counting on payments increasing by 6.8%, to €137.9 billion. The Council adopted its position on the 2013 budget in July. It proposes to increase the commitments at a level below inflation (1.27%) and to increase payments by 2.79% - in other words €5.2 billion less than the Commission's proposal. The European Parliament is due to give its decision on the 2013 budget in Strasbourg on 23 October - then the period of 21 days' conciliation will begin between the Parliament and Council with the Commission as moderator. (LC/transl.fl)