EU officials disagree on the Union’s budget

 

The 27 leaders of the European Union are required to finalize the budget for 2014-2021 in Brussels  tonight. However, once again they seem divided into two camps at least.

 

Angela Merkel said "the EU leaders are still divided over the 7-year budget."

 

However, she appeared determined to reach an agreement, saying that "Germany will do everything possible to reach an agreement as due to high unemployment, it is important to have the ability to plan."

 

British premier David Cameron said "without cuts, there will be no agreement" and that the amount provided for in the budget session in November was "very high" and should be reduced. "The last time we were here in November, the numbers were too high. They must be reduced and if they aren't, there will be no agreement. To speak directly, the EU should not be immune to the kind of pressure put on us to reduce our costs. The 27 leaders will have to find efficient ways to ensure that we spend money wisely."

 

French president Francois Hollande said the pressure for cuts should not destabilize economic recovery in Europe and that he is willing to negotiate to a certain point.

 

"New delays will send a very negative message in this time of fragile economic recovery," European Commission chairman Jose Barroso said.

 

Greek premier Antonis Samaras has the arguments of recession and unemployment in his arsenal and as he reached the building of the meeting of the European Council, he said that Greece needs funds for development. "I believe that structural funds are a guarantee of success because we need, especially in Greece, recovery and development as we make the necessary reforms on a structural and financial level."

 

It is estimated that Greece can secure 12 to 14 billion euros compared to the 20.2 billion of the previous year.