07/07/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 6 July, the European Parliament approved (641 votes in favour, 36 against and 18 abstentions) the draft amending budget number 3/2021, which aims to enter the surplus from 2020 into this year’s budget, amounting to €1.768 billion (see EUROPE 12700/20). The European Parliament therefore endorses the European Council’s position regarding this text. The European Parliament calls on Member States to use all expected reductions in their GNI (Gross National Income) contributions from the 2020 surplus to budget for actions related to the fight against the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with the European Union’s recovery and resilience to ensure an optimal allocation of funds. (LC)