Brussels, 17/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 17 December, MEPs from the European Parliament's employment and social affairs committee approved the inter-institutional compromise on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) for 2014-2020. Transition measures have been planned so that FEAD can be up and running from 1 January, although the agreement will not be fully approved until February 2014. The inter-institutional compromise on FEAD was reached at the end of November (see EUROPE 10973). On Tuesday 17 December, the employment and social affairs committee voted for the motion by 30 votes in favour, with two against and no abstentions. This fund replaces the food distribution programme and will provide food and basic material assistance, as well as social inclusion measures for the poor. Its budget will be €3.5 billion and the Parliament is expected to give its formal agreement for it during the February plenary session. (JK/transl.fl)