12 February 2013

ECOFIN Council conclusions on Budget guidelines for 2014

The Council underlines that the budgetary procedure for 2014 will be the first in a new programming period. In this regard, the budget will play an important role in the development and delivery of the Union's objectives and priorities. The Council emphasises the need to maintain budgetary discipline at all levels. The budgetary procedure for 2014 will take place in the context of the ongoing need for restraint in Member States' budgets, particularly as many Member States seek to reduce their deficit and debt levels. The Council considers that the EU budget should take into account the current economic situation, and also contribute resources to mitigating its negative effects, notably by boosting growth and employment.

As such, the Council considers that a balance is needed between fiscal consolidation and investment for growth. This can be achieved, in particular, through the prioritisation of objectives, with the allocation of available resources to programmes and actions contributing most to achieving these aims. The budget for 2014 should provide the necessary resources to respect commitments already made and to implement the Union's policy priorities for 2014. The Council invites the Commission to present a budget in line with these objectives, including the delivery of EU added value.

The Council encourages all institutions to collaborate efficiently and constructively, allowing for a smooth budgetary procedure and the establishment of a budget for 2014 within the deadlines set by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The Council stresses the need to preserve the annual character of the budgetary procedure. It recalls that the purpose of the Conciliation Committee, convened in respect of Article 314 TFEU, will be to establish the budget for 2014. Therefore, the budgetary procedure should avoid issues not directly linked to the annual budget negotiation.

See full conclusions below for 'Key Elements in the Budget for 2014' and 'Specific Issues'.

Conclusion

The Council considers that the EU budget should take into account the current economic situation, but also contribute to mitigating its negative effects, notably by providing resources to boost growth and employment. The Council recalls that the annual budgetary procedure is important for providing accountability towards EU citizens. It underlines that an accurate and accountable use of Union resources is one of the essential means to reinforce the trust of EU citizens. Therefore, the Council reiterates the great importance it attaches to these guidelines and expects them to be taken duly into account already when preparing the draft budget for 2014.

Full conclusions

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