Brussels, 27/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - In addition to indications relating to the political priorities of 2003, the decision adopted by the European Commission on Wednesday on annual policy strategy provides the necessary elements of budgetary resources to finance its objectives (see other article, p.8). Thus, the Commission is tabling on a Community budget exceeding EUR 100 billion in commitment appropriations (EUR 100.9 billion, compared to EUR 98.7 billion in 2002). In order to finance its three top political priorities, the Commission foresees EUR 270 million in additional allocations, of which EUR 130 million will be for stability and security in Europe (including EUR 25 million for the creation of a new financial instrument intended to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean cooperation) and EUR 120 million to ensure a "sustainable and inclusive economy" (EUR 35 million in favour of the World Health Fund and the fight against disease in developing countries).
The Commission considers that political orientations are an important first step in the annual budgetary process, said Commissioner Michaele Schreyer, adding that this new strategy will allow allocation of financial and human resources in relation to the new political priorities, while guaranteeing respect of the financial framework fixed in Berlin.