Prime minister ‘concerned’ regarding EU budget deadline

  • ECO News
  • 14 December 2018

Portugal's prime minister, António Costa, expressed concern in Brussels this Friday regarding negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) only beginning after May 2019 elections.

Portugal’s prime minister, António Costa, expressed concern in Brussels on Friday regarding negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) only beginning after the May 2019 European elections.

“I am worried a decision will not be made in time, before the European elections,” Costa said at a media conference, on day two of the European Council summit.

“There is a clear will for a decision to be taken by the Commission, and that is very important because the commissioners have been directly involved negotiating the proposals so delaying it for the next Commission would have a very damaging impact on the European economy,” he added.

Heads of state and government of the EU confirmed their will to reach an agreement concerning negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 by autumn next year.

This timeframe contradicts the position defended by several member states, including Portugal.

However, Costa said the debate regarding the next Multiannual Financial Framework was “frankly positive” since “a clear majority of council members” declared themselves in favour of the Common Agriculture Policy.

“The debate in June will take into account this clear position of the Council to reject the reduction in cohesion and to reject reduction of the Common Agriculture Policy,” he added.

LUSA