Luxembourg, 17/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - Monday's Transport Council in Luxembourg did not manage to reach an agreement on funding the Marco Polo programme on maritime safety for the period 2003-2007, as most delegations prefer a minimum financing threshold (see EUROPE of 14 June, p.8). The Netherlands proposed financing of EUR 50 million, while Denmark, Austria, the United Kingdom and France agreed on maximum financing of EUR 60 million. The United Kingdom, however, declared that it "preferred 37 million", thus coming closer in position to Germany, which insists on respect of the financial perspectives but which would be willing to "accept a small change" in the amount. Italy and Greece, however, felt that the Presidency's proposal of EUR 85 million is an acceptable minimum. "If you want an ambitious programme, then you need ambitious financing", said Greece. The Commission, which had initially proposed a budget of EUR 115 million, agreed to fall to 85 million as the "duration of application of the programme will be shorter since there is still no agreement on financing" while refusing to go further until the Parliament gives its stance (as it is expected to do in September or October).