Continued Enlargement, Financial Performance Are Priorities at EU Budget Talks
In the EU's next, 2014-2010 budget period, Estonia is calling for all EU policies to be better linked with Europe 2020 objectives, and more support for integration with EU-friendly countries to the east, said the permanent representative to the EU Matti Maasikas from the negotiations in Brussels.
Estonia supported the total budget figure of 1.025 trillion euros in commitments. It also voiced several priorities.
"Estonia wants the condition that use of budgetary funds be linked to public finance indicators be valid for all EU policies, not just EU Cohesion Policy," said Maasikas.
"In addition, it is important for us that the principle of continued enlargement and 'more for more' be reflected under the Global Europe heading," said Maasikas. The heading is one of four, the others being economic growth, security and administration.
"This principle means more cooperation and integration with neighboring countries prepared to carry out reforms and adapt its legislation to the EU acquis," he said.
The negotiations are ongoing regarding funds and instruments that are outside the general budget, such as the development cooperation policy fund. "It is important to Estonia if any of these funds is merged with the budget that the amounts for joint policies, such as Cohesion Policy, would not decrease."
The next budget discussion at the ministerial level will take place in about a month.
Kristopher Rikken