Brussels, 14/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 14 July, EU Member States reached a qualified majority agreement on the first reading adoption of a rigorous draft budget for 2007. The Commission sharply criticised the intention of the Ecofin Council (meeting in “budget” formation) to reduce administrative expenditure by imposing the removal of up to 2000 jobs in the European institutions between 2007 and 2013. The General Affairs Council of 17 July will formally adopt this agreement. Three...