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The Council of the EU presented its position on the 2014 draft budget during the European Parliament's plenary session today in Strasbourg. The Council’s high priority is given to programmes that encourage economic growth and job creation. The Council also aimed at ensuring the more efficient management of administrative costs and greater EU budget flexibility.

“The EU budget for the financial year 2014 will play a crucial role in supporting growth and jobs. I am convinced that the Council's position represents the necessary balance between the financial capacity of Member States and the need to finance growth-oriented programmes. The economic situation in EU countries remains difficult, and national budgets are constrained. We must ensure the timely and appropriate implementation of EU budget programmes on the one hand, and at the same time limit deficits in the national budgets of EU Member States to the required levels,” Lithuanian Vice-Minister Algimantas Rimkūnas said after presenting the Council’s position. Lithuania is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Vice-Minister took positive note of the first budgetary trilogue on the EU budget, which took place last week in Brussels. The European Parliament and the Council agreed on  high priority being given to programmes and actions supporting employment and growth. This is an important starting point for negotiations on the 2014 EU budget, which will take place in October and November 2013.

The EU budget for the financial year 2014 will be the first annual budget under the new multiannual financial framework. The Council's position foresees EUR 142.2 billion in commitments, and EUR 135 billion in payments. Priority is given to youth employment, research, ERASMUS, SMEs and other programmes designed to ensure Europe’s sustainable growth and fight against unemployment.

The Council’s position also foresees appropriate margins (EUR 1 billion) in order to meet potential unforeseen expenditure needs.