"We find ourselves with the lowest budget in the history of the European Union at a time when, faced with Member States who can't resolve problems on their own anymore, our fellow citizens need the added value provided by Europe. And with these responsibilities on our shoulders, I would add that this budget is inacceptable", said the Chairman of the EPP Group, leading the open Conference of Presidents debate with the European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Commission President José Manuel Barroso on the agreement reached by European leaders on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020.

Joseph Daul stated that the European Parliament will take its responsibilities very seriously and is ready to negotiate a realistic European long-term budget that will be able to promote growth, investments and jobs. The Chairman of the EPP Group called on the European Council President to provide the European Parliament with the detailed numbers of the agreement on the EU long-term budget: "The Member States put forward a proposal for negotiation. So let's negotiate! To start with, let's be transparent. Give us the detailed numbers from the last summit's deal. And let's clarify what European policies will take us towards growth and employment. This budget represents only 1% of GDP. This is the amount for which we committed to recapitalising Spanish banks. It is half of the amount we gave to Greece for facing the financial crisis. It's a lot of money, and it's not a lot of money. But it's not the quantity that counts; it's the meaning that we give it. 27 Member States committed themselves to the tune of 1% of GDP for common policies and common investments. In short, for a common future."

The Chairman of the EPP Group again outlined the Group's priorities for an efficient spending and prospect of the EU long-term budget: "We are not asking for a huge budget. We are asking for a realistic and future-proof budget. What we want is a firm commitment to a revision clause in two to three years to allow the new Parliament to revisit this budget. What we are asking for is the introduction of real flexibility. Between budget lines and between years. It is the efficiency of the financial framework at stake. What we expect, finally, is the implementation of own resources so that the EU budget will never again be subject to politicians' whims."

"The only thing European about the last European Summit was its name. It was more like a meeting of car salesmen. I would like to remind certain Member States that our Community is based on the rule of law, on a Treaty which is our supreme law. However, the financial framework on the table runs contrary to this Treaty. Firstly, because the European Council has gone beyond its competences by bypassing the relevant parliamentary committees. This is a violation of the European Parliament's legislative powers! And then, foreseeing payment appropriations that are 52 billion Euros lower than commitment appropriations, that is called creating a deficit. A deficit which goes against the rules laid down in the Treaty. We are obliged to have a balanced budget", concluded the Chairman of the largest political group in the European Parliament.

Joseph Daul's speech in full

For further information:
Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Delia Vlase, Chairman's Spokeswoman, Tel: +32-476-331038

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 270 Members and 3 Croatian Observer Members.