Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
170. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the outcome of the negotiations on the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework will reflect Ireland’s core values; if there is support from Ireland and other EU member states for the Commission’s proposal to increase the budget for the EU’s foreign policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48373/12]
View answerNegotiations of the EU Budget Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014-20 are actively in progress. The Commission has proposed that €70 billion be allocated to Heading 4 (Global Europe) over the lifetime of the MFF. This would cover funding for external action instruments, most notably the Development Cooperation Instrument, the Instrument for Pre-Accession and the European Neighbourhood Instrument (it does not include the European Development Fund, aimed at African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, which is funded separately).
We have supported the Commission’s proposals for Heading 4. We think it is important that the EU establish itself as a global player to better project our values and advance our interests. Ireland has a particular interest in measures providing humanitarian and development aid.
There is broad agreement among the Member States on the structure of this heading. However, Member States are far from agreement on the overall size of the MFF, with many Member States calling for substantial reductions in the Union’s Budget, which would inevitably impact on Heading 4 of the Budget. Agreement will inevitably require compromise by all sides.
A Special European Council will take place on 22-23 November devoted to the MFF and we hope that final agreement can be reached there.
