Grybauskaité: "Interinstitutioneel akkoord over budgetdiscipline en gezond financieel beheer 2007-2013 is verheugend" (en)

The European Parliament approved this morning by a large majority of 440 votes, 190 against and 15 abstention, the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management for the period 2007-2013. "I welcome the result of the vote of the European Parliament" - commented EU Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget Dalia Grybauskaite.

"It confirms that under the new Financial Framework for the period 2007-2013 the Union will have at its disposal the funds necessary to secure the development of an enlarged Europe and to guarantee that new Member States will become full participants of all EU policies. Multi-annual planning is back on track and a new generation of programmes can be launched as from 2007".

The Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) was negotiated between the Council represented by Finance Minister Grasser, the EP team of Mr. Böge, Mr. Lewandowski, Mr. Jan Mulder and Mr. Walter, and the Commission. It represents a success in particular because it also includes a new chapter on sound financial management and a number of solid institutional commitments towards more effective budget implementation (for example enhanced accountability of Member States for structural funds). The IIA also recognizes the important role of the Parliament in the wide-ranging review covering all aspects of EU spending and resources, in 2008/2009.

"Thanks to the pressure from the Parliament, we managed to significantly increase funding for Research, Lifelong Learning, trans-European Networks (TENs), Competitiveness and Innovation" - declared Dalia Grybauskaite. "Moreover, for the first time, the agreement entails a joint effort with the EIB, whose funds will act as catalysts for public and private investors in R&D, as well as TENs and small and medium-sized enterprises".

Next week, the Commission will come with a package of revised proposals to reflect the IIA and thus facilitate the completion of the legislative process and a smooth start of the programmes as from the beginning 2007.

"Today Europe moved in the right direction, towards progress and modernisation. This is a good day for our Union, a good day for the Parliament and all the EU institutions" - Commissioner Dalia Grybauskaite concluded.

For additional information please also see our Memo/06/204