Brussels, 27/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - By adopting the report by French socialist, Pervenche Berès (369 votes for, 9 against and 15 abstentions), the European Parliament on Friday 24 April, very broadly approved the increase in the ceiling for the Community's mid-term support for member states' balance of payments that do not belong to the Euro-zone (EUROPE 9879). MEPs followed the opinion of its economic and monetary affairs committee, which had, above all, wanted the European Parliament to be informed about the memorandums of understanding between the Commission and states involved and the conditions governing the loans. The EP only has an advisory opinion on the issue and the Ecofin Council of 5 May is expected to come out in support of Draft Amending Regulation 332/2002 (which will increase aid from the current €25bn to €50bn).
In a resolution on the “balance of payments facility” (adopted by 332 votes in favour, 11 against, with 39 abstentions), the EP underlines the conditions the granting of financial support will require in order to comply with Community targets on public spending efficiency, sustainable growth, social security systems, full employment, the fight against climate change and energy efficiency. The EP also considers that the current situation provides additional proof of the Euro's usefulness in protecting member states and calls on those that have still not adopted the single currency to do so, as soon as they have met the Maastricht criteria. It also calls on the Commission to analyse the effects of banks' behaviour when they withdrew their assets from member states that joined the EU during the most recent rounds of enlargement. (A.B./trans/rh)