EU budget negotiations concluded with a good result for Finland

Government Communications Department

Press release 55/2013

(Translation. Originally published in Finnish on 8 February 2013)

On Friday afternoon, the European Council reached an agreement on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014–2020. Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen finds the agreed outcome good for Finland and Europe.

"We wanted more emphasis on factors promoting growth and competitiveness, such as research funding. We also wanted to ensure that Finland's contribution remain at a reasonable level in comparison to similar kinds of countries. We were able to achieve both objectives," said Katainen.

In relation to the other Member States, Finland's net contribution is in line with our public finances. Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands will continue as the biggest contributors to the EU budget. Finland is at similar level with Denmark, Austria and France.

Finland aimed at a disciplined framework level right from the beginning and succeeded in this objective. It is the first time in the EU's history that the new financial framework level is lower than the current framework level. The total level of the new financial framework is EUR 996.8 billion which is almost EUR 24 billion less than the existing framework level (commitments, in 2011 prices). The agreed framework level is some EUR 120 billion, that is almost 11%, less than originally proposed by the Commission.

Important for Finland, the funding for our rural development will remain close to the current level although the total amount of EU rural development funding was reduced. We can be satisfied with the reached result. Rural development funding will safeguard a strong basis for sustainable and modern agriculture in Finland.

The total level of regional and development funding was cut by 10%, with an increased focus on the least developed regions. As a result, Finland's level of regional and development funding will decrease over the next framework period. However, among the net contributors, Finland's regional aid per capita will still be the highest. It is also positive that the special financial support granted for the sparsely populated areas in North and East Finland will remain close to the current level.

"It is of course challenging to conduct budget negotiations among 28 Member States and each country must make compromises. As regards Finland, the reached agreement reflects well our position among the prosperous Member States. Reaching an agreement on the budget was essential as it will enable us to continue working towards promoting economic growth and competitiveness in Europe," said Prime Minister Katainen.

Inquiries: Pasi Rajala, Special Adviser, EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2055 or +358 400 464 393 and Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 9 1602 2180, Prime Minister’s Office