Cabinet Committee on European Union Affairs: EU proposal for financial framework should be cut by 10%
On Friday, 10 February, the Cabinet Committee on EU Affairs discussed the overall expenditure level of the EU's multiannual financial framework (2014–2020). The Government of Finland has already earlier expressed its support to a disciplined level of the budgetary framework. According to Finland's revised opinion, the total level of commitment appropriations should be approximately 1% of the EU countries' gross national income (GNI) and the level of expenses EUR 100 billion lower than in the Commission's proposal. In practice, this would cut expenses by approximately 10%.
The financial framework must be in line with tight national budgets and demands for strengthened budget discipline.
- The revised opinion gives us a sound mandate for action as the negotiations proceed, said the Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb, responsible for issues on the EU financial framework.
The active phase of negotiations on the EU financial framework for 2014–2020 has now started. Political level negotiations will take place at the EU General Affairs Council. At the Council's January meeting, the EU's net contributors underlined the difficult economic situation and the efforts made at national level as regards fiscal consolidation. These delegations called for significant reductions in the overall expenditure level and highlighted the need to establish common ground on the issue.
In addition to the overall amount, Finland stresses the correct allocation of appropriations. The priorities should include the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy: the strengthening of growth, employment, skills and innovation. For Finland, it is of key importance that, in structural policy, due consideration be given to the special conditions in North and East Finland and that funding be secured for rural development.
Inquiries: Satu Keskinen, Counsellor, Adviser to the Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, tel. +358 9 1602 2451 or +358 40 508 6722