Brussels, 14/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - MEPs will debate the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework with the presidents of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, in Brussels on Monday 18 February. During a conference of the presidents of the European Parliament's groups - which will be extended to all MEPs and to Van Rompuy and Barroso - criticism is likely to come flooding on the content of the European Council agreement, which imposes seven years of stringency. MEPs are also likely to reiterate subjects that they want to bring into the negotiation with the Council on the multiannual financial framework - subjects such as budget flexibility, the mid-way review clause of the financial framework, and own resources of the EU budget. According to Article 312 of the treaty, the Council - in accordance with a special legislative procedure - may adopt a regulation fixing the multiannual financial framework. It acts by unanimity, after approval of the European Parliament, which will give its opinion by the majority of the members composing it. The Parliament thus has a sort of right of veto and will not hesitate to use it if it does not obtain concessions from the Council on the above subjects. The debate of the conference of presidents on the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework will take place on Monday from 2.00-3.30pm. (LC/transl.fl)