The two arms of the European budgetary authority will try, on Friday 16 November in Brussels, to find a compromise on the EU budget for 2019 (see EUROPE 12124, 12088).
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council, meeting in a budget configuration, will start its work by preparing for negotiations with the European Parliament on next year's budget. They will be held during a meeting of the Conciliation Committee. Sources were very optimistic about the chances of reaching an agreement in the early hours of Saturday 17 November.
Parliament proposed a total budget of 166.3 billion euros in commitment appropriations (about 4% more than in 2018) and 149.3 billion euros in payment appropriations, which represents an overrun of 1.1 billion euros of the ceiling (in commitments) of the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF). The Council, which took into account budgetary constraints in the capitals, forecast 164.1 billion euros in commitments and 148.2 billion in payments (+2% compared to 2018). The Commission had proposed to set commitments at 165.6 billion euros and payments at 148.7 billion euros (approximately +3% compared to 2018).
The topics to be discussed include the financing modalities of the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey. MEPs want the share of the EU budget for the second tranche of 3 billion euros not to exceed 1 billion euros. Member States have agreed on a contribution of 2 billion euros from the EU budget and 1 billion euros for country contributions. Discussions are expected on the amount of the decrease in pre-accession aid funds allocated to Turkey, taking into account the deterioration of the rule of law, democracy and human rights in the country.
The EP is requesting an additional 346.7 million euros (total of 580 million euros in 2019) for the 'youth employment' initiative. Another subject under discussion is the financing modalities of the Horizon 2020 programme and The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The European Parliament opposes Council cuts in these areas.
After the conciliation meeting, the Council will approve the agreement. The conciliation period ends on November 19. If this fails, the Commission will present a new draft budget. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur, with Lucas Tripoteau)