Press release
12 September 2011
Prime Minister's Office
A leaner yet sharper budget for the European Union
On the initiative of the Swedish Minister of EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, eight Ministers of EU Affairs gathered to discuss the possibility of a common ground regarding the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The Ministers, who represented three fifths of the EUs total population, agreed to send a clear message to the European Commission and the other member states. The core of the message is that the level of the Commissions proposal is too high and must be reduced. The budget must not increase the member states fees.
- In the middle of the European debt crisis, it is important that the Union embraces real reforms, not relabeling of expenditure areas. We need to spend better, not spend more, says Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson.
- Politics is not only about making wishes, but also about making priorities. The taxpayers have the right to demand responsibility. Each and every euro must contribute to strengthen our competitiveness, concludes Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson.
Contact
Carl LagerqvistPressekreterare hos Birgitta Ohlsson
+46 8 405 11 63
+46 70 308 44 06
email to Carl Lagerqvist
