Foreign Minister Stavros Dimas participated today in the proceedings of the EU General Affairs Council. The main subject of discussion was the negotiations on the formulation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020. Earlier, Mr. Dimas participated in a working breakfast for Foreign Ministers of the European People’s Party.
In his statement to the Council, Mr. Dimas stressed that the new Multiannual Financial Framework needs to bolster growth in the EU member states, ensuring economic and social convergence, as provided for in the EU Treaties. He noted that, in light of the period of recession Europe is going through, EU action for economic recovery, growth and the creation of new jobs is more imperative than ever before.
Mr. Dimas reaffirmed Greece’s support for the Danish Presidency’s efforts to negotiate the drawing up – to the greatest possible extent – of a comprehensive plan of proposals on the general principles of the new financial framework, and he underscored that the position of certain countries in favor of further reduction of the MFF 2014-2020, as compared to the current framework (2007-2013), are incompatible with the EU’s efforts to boost growth, as well as with the increased responsibilities under the Lisbon Treaty of the enlarged union; responsibilities supported by all the member states. He also noted that the mission of national budgets must not be confused with that of the Community budget, adding that in the current economic crisis the limiting of public funds has made it difficult for some member states to provide adequate funding for economic growth.
In this context, Mr. Dimas stressed that the issue of MFF ‘own resources’ must be an intrinsic element of the negotiation package, noting that the relevant Commission proposals for new own resources (Financial Transaction Tax and European VAT) are the only way to resolve the issue and increase the Community budget without burdening national budgets.
Referring to specific MFF issues, Mr. Dimas mentioned, among other things, that the proposed increase in funding in the Home Affairs sector is a positive development, but noted that this increase will not suffice to meet the challenges in the migration and asylum sector, particularly for member states with external EU borders. He noted that a substantial increase in funding for this sector would create added value for the European Union and the member states as a whole.
March 26, 2012