26/01/2021 (Agence Europe) – The Portuguese Minister of Finance, João Leão, stated, on Monday 25 January, that the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union intends to make progress in the discussion on the own resources of the EU budget, “since a proposal from the European Commission is expected during our Presidency”, in accordance with the agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12599/2). Presenting his country’s priorities for the first half of 2021 to the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, he cited the importance of making the Next Generation EU European Recovery Plan operational as quickly as possible, not reducing budgetary support for the economy too soon at both European and national level, and completing Banking Union in the euro area. The debate with MEPs was cut short due to a poor internet connection. (MB)