Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-03-11-Speech-2-042"
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"en.20030311.3.2-042"2
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"Madam President, I believe three basic issues arise out of the 2004 budget guidelines. These are firstly, the potential level of expenditure, secondly, improved implementation, and thirdly, strategic options for expenditure.
As regards the level of expenditure, the Union’s budget currently represents 1.02 % of gross Community income, and is at its lowest level. The present perspectives would allow an additional 5 000 billion. The same level of expenditure is planned for the 2004 budget. We are therefore operating in austerity mode, which should please the Council.
Sound implementation is crucial for the 2004 budget. Payment take up has been well below that forecast during the last three years. The total surplus for those three years amounts to some 23 000 billion. Last year’s declaration on implementation profiles and the plan to do away with the abnormal RAL must therefore be followed through.
Concerning priorities, I am sure Mr Mulder’s report is on the right lines. It takes account of two key issues, namely the concerns and expectations of the citizens on the one hand, and on the other, the conditions needed to allow the budgetary authority to reach a consensual decision.
The 2004 budget is crucial and represents a new departure for the Union. There are a number of reasons why this is so. The citizens understand that their security, freedom and prosperity demand appropriate budgetary decisions and common instruments. External border controls, the fight against organised crime and terrorism demand increased capacity for Europol and Eurojust.
Finally, the promotion of business activity is crucial to the success of an enlarged Union. Many issues are still outstanding. I refer for example to the potential financial implications of agricultural reform or of the adoption of the adjustment of the financial perspectives. I have to say that I am amazed the Council is not represented in the House today. Nonetheless, the Council must realise that there is only one way of dealing with the challenges before us, and that is by reaching agreement with Parliament."@en1
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