EU countries to continue negotiations on multiannual financial framework

On 22–23 November, the EU leaders convened in Brussels for an extraordinary European Council to negotiate on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014–2020. Today, on 23 November, the leaders discussed the second proposal put forward by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. Work on the MFF will continue and the aim is to reach agreement early next year.

"We held constructive talks on the basis of the President's proposal. The atmosphere at the summit was surprisingly good and the debate focused on the overall level of the framework. There is, however, a great deal of work to be done before we will be able to integrate all special interests and reach agreement on an acceptable overall level," said Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen who represented Finland at the meeting.

"For Finland, it will be important that the level of the financial framework remain moderate. The proposed cuts were not sufficient and the amount Finland has received from the EU as a whole has not developed positively. It will also be necessary to reconsider the system of budget rebates to certain EU countries as it will also affect Finland's position as a net contributor," said Prime Minister Katainen.

"I am happy that Finland's concerns were taken note of and that we made progress as regards the level of rural development funding. This is particularly important for us. We also received backing with regard to special financial support granted for sparsely populated areas. Any final decisions, however, have not been made," Prime Minister Katainen said.
 

Press release of the Government Communications Department(Link to another website.)