Brussels, 14/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - The first trialogue on the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020, which involves €960 billion over the whole of that period, began in Brussels on Monday 13 May. According to the Irish Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, who is president-in-office of the Council, the talks “got off to a good start”.
Speaking after the meeting, Gilmore said that, after hearing the requests put forward by the European Parliament during this trialogue, the Irish Presidency showed its conviction that “if there is a will on all sides, we can reach an agreement during our Presidency on an EU budget to support investment and jobs”.
Debates covered the adjustments advocated by the European Parliament to be made to the European Council's February agreement on the MFF 2014-2020 in four areas (budgetary flexibility, review clause, own resources and unity of the budget). The next trialogue will be held on 28 May. The Tanaiste said the Parliament's requests would be examined, and considered it important to conclude by the summer. Agreement is also required on the draft rectifying budget No 2 for 2013 (€11.2 billion), Gilmore pointed out. Talks on the CFP and this €11.2 billion extension are carried out in parallel, the presidency said (see above).
“The Council and the Parliament agreed on both the scope and calendar of the negotiations, which shows the will on both sides to reach a swift agreement on the next financial period, which is what Europe's regions, businesses, scientists, NGOs and students call for”, said Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski. He considers therefore that “our common target to complete the negotiations by the end of the Irish Presidency is definitely reachable”. He cited budget flexibility as one of the tougher issues to deal with. (LC/transl.jl)