27/11/2018 (Agence Europe) – The Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2019 could have the difficult task of promoting a unanimous agreement by the Twenty-Seven leaders on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12138). This is set out in a draft of the conclusions of the European Council of 13 and 14 December. The Romanian Presidency of the Council of the first half of 2019 is asked to continue work and to provide guidance on the next stage of the negotiations, “with a view to achieving an agreement on the negotiating box at the European Council in autumn 2019”. The European Commission and European Parliament had expected an agreement before the May 2019 elections, a dream that is unlikely to come true. (LC)