The inclusion of a discussion on the post-2027 multiannual financial framework and new own resources on the agenda for the European Council meeting on 20-21 March was discussed at an exchange between the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) on Wednesday 19 February.
Some Member States, including Germany, expressed doubts about the need for such a discussion in the absence of further information from the European Commission, whose proposal is expected in July (see EUROPE 13577/20).
They indicated that they did not see the added value of a discussion between leaders at this stage, as negotiations have barely begun and nothing new would be shared. In contrast, other Member States would prefer to be able to make contributions to the Commission before it publishes its proposal, according to several European sources.
Three Member States proposed postponing the exchange between the heads of State to a new ‘informal retreat’. However, the office of the President of the European Council, António Costa, wanted to keep the matter on the agenda, in particular because of the importance of new own resources for the European Parliament (see EUROPE 13584/7).
The discussion is expected to take place over dinner between the leaders. Nine Member States, including France, asked for a framework in order to avoid a free and unstructured discussion. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)