NEWS
Prime Minister's statement prior to continuation of the European Council meeting: "Small steps in the right direction, but EU still divided over the issue"
Within the European Council meeting held in Brussels, the EU leaders will today continue to seek an agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014 – 2020.
On his arrival to today's session, the Slovenian Prime Minister, Janez Janša, said that given a substantial difference of opinion, the chances for reaching a final agreement "aren't any better than yesterday".
In Janša's view, an increase in the volume of cohesion funds and the relevant proposals concerning rural development represent "a step in the right direction". A compromise proposal being currently discussed includes certain shifts favourable to Slovenia. In view of the fact that the positions of the countries advocating a reduction in the EU budget and those who support an increase in cohesion funds are still quite far apart, the question whether this proposal will prevail remains open.
According to the Slovenian Prime Minister, one of the options is also a partial agreement facilitating a possible consensus on individual policies, while the following weeks or months could be dedicated to other unresolved issues. "The option of reaching a partial agreement is still better than an essentially bad agreement", pointed out the Slovenian Prime Minister.