ECOFIN (Budget)

Wednesday 20th November 2013 Written Statements

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Nicky Morgan)]

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council—Budget, was held in Brussels on 11 November 2013.

The Council and the European Parliament agreed on the 2014 EU budget and draft amending budget No. 9 to the 2013 EU budget at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.

In the Council, the UK and a number of other member states were very clear that it would be irresponsible for the EU to ask for excessive funds when spending in member states is being reduced.

The final deal is the first annual budget agreed under the new multi-annual financial framework (MFF) deal that the Prime Minister secured in February. During negotiations the UK maintained its clear position that any deal should not exceed the ceilings established in this agreement. This was delivered by Council, with an adopted budget that is below the MFF ceiling and will result in a 6% reduction in EU spending compared with the 2013 budget.

However, the UK wanted to go further in places to maintain pressure on EU spending and because of this was ultimately unable to support and voted against the final deal.