Council welcomes EP MFF approval

Vytautas Leškevičius, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, has welcomed the successful completion of inter-institutional negotiations regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020.

He said: “It’s the culmination of a long negotiation process and good news to the citizens of Europe. Funding provided in the budget for innovation, research, education, cohesion or agriculture will definitely provide a major boost to our economies. The EU Multiannual Financial Framework is the foundation which will help to consolidate funds for growth and job creation.”

After discussions, the European Parliament consented to the charter and paved the way for a smooth start of the new seven-year financial framework’s programmes from 1 January 2014.

“The negotiations of unprecedented intensity and difficulty with the EP were one of the biggest challenges of the Lithuanian and previous presidencies. Today we can rejoice – the result properly reflects our efforts and the expectations of EU citizens and businesses”, Mr Leškevičius said.

The approval of the Multiannual Financial Framework, according to the Vice-Minister, is a long awaited decision which will provide new opportunities for the citizens of Europe.

The goal was to reach the adoption of the strategy during the Lithuanian Presidency, which would ensure that funds for the EU’s main policies, including cohesion and agriculture, reached member states on time.