Slovenia would like to see the tripartite talks between the European Parliament, European Commission and the EU Council on the 2007-2013 EU budget result in a speedy finalisation of the document, a Slovenian official has said.
Deputy head of the Government Office for European Affairs Katja Rejec Longar said that Slovenia would like a speedy budget deal, in line with the timetable that envisages an agreement by the end of March or early April.
Rejec Longar, speaking after Monday's session of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, said that a timely agreement is needed to allow member states to get ready for the phasing of EU funds.
She added that she was optimistic a deal would be reached in line with the set timetable.
Meanwhile, Rejec Longar said that differences exist between the three sides. While the European Commission has proposed increasing the proposed budget contingency fund from EUR 200m to EUR 700m, the member states oppose any changes to the deal reached on the spending plan.
Moreover, a number of the member states have called for more of the agreed funds to be allocated for foreign and defence policy.
The next round of the tripartite talks is scheduled for 21 March, when the sides should reach an agreement in principle that would then be forwarded to the European Parliament for confirmation.
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