Brussels, 24/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - It is hoped a trialogue agreement will be reached between the three EU institutions next Tuesday (28 January) regarding the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The Parliament rapporteur on this dossier, Alain Cadec (EPP, France), told EUROPE on Friday 24 January that, “if all goes well, we should be looking towards an agreement” on Tuesday (see EUROPE 10989). He above all hailed the fact that the European Commission “has made a giant stride towards the European Parliament” (our translation), which is something the Council should also do. On 19 December 2013, negotiations on the breakdown of the allocation (€6.4 billion for 2014-2020) had failed due to the Commission's refusal to reduce funding available under its direct management for implementing the EU integrated maritime policy. The compromise between Council and Parliament provided for €547.2 million for the direct management allocation (compared with €870 million advocated by the Commission). The Commission has agreed to give up part of the funding initially envisaged but this means that it will be necessary to draw funding (some €120 million in total) away from EP priorities (data collection and control) and Council priorities (sustainable fisheries development). (LC/transl.jl)