Expenditure
Expenditure
The financial perspective
Commission Communication, Making a success of the Single Act: a new frontier for Europe (15 February 1987)
TextIn its communication dated 15 February 1987 entitled Making a success of the Single Act: a new frontier for Europe, commonly known as the ‘Delors I Package’, the Commission proposes the introduction of new rules governing budgetary discipline. Among other things, it recommends the establishment of multiannual financial forecasts to ensure the observance of budgetary discipline.
‘The workings of the enlarged European Community’ from Le Monde (19 February 1987)
TextOn 19 February 1987, the French daily newspaper Le Monde analyses the proposals set out in the Delors I package on the reform of the Community budget.
Commission report on the financing of the Community budget (28 February 1987)
TextOn 28 February 1987, the Commission submits to the Council and to Parliament a report on the financing of the Community budget in which it notes the growing disparity between resources and Community requirements and the need to establish a system of medium-term expenditure planning with the aim of strengthening management efficiency.
‘The Commission fulfils its obligations with its Plan' from Europe (12 March 1987)
TextOn 12 March 1987, Emanuele Gazzo, Director of Agence Europe, defends the proposals set out in the Delors Plan to increase the revenue of the Twelve and reform the Community budget.
Conclusions of the Brussels European Council (29 and 30 June 1987)
TextThe European Council held in Brussels from 29 to 30 June 1987 gives its opinion on the Commission Communication entitled Making a success of the Single Act: a new frontier for Europe.
Address by François Mitterrand (Brussels, 29 June 1987)
TextOn 29 June 1987, as the European Council opens in Brussels, French President François Mitterrand expresses his optimism at the planned reform of Community funding put forward by the European Commission.
Conclusions of the Brussels European Council: extract concerning own resources, budgetary discipline and budget management (11–13 February 1988)
TextThe European Council, meeting in Brussels from 11 to 13 February 1988, decides to revise the financing system of the Community budget and lays down the principles of budgetary discipline.
Group photo taken at the Brussels European Council (11 February 1988)
BildGroup photo taken at the European Council held in Brussels from 11 to 13 February 1988.
Interinstitutionelle Vereinbarung über das Haushaltsverfahren (29. Juni 1988)
TextInterinstitutionelle Vereinbarung vom 29. Juni 1988 über die Haushaltsdisziplin und die Verbesserung des Haushaltsverfahrens.
Evolution of the financial perspectives
TabelleTable showing the evolution of the financial perspectives since their establishment in 1988.
Entwicklung der finanziellen Vorausschau (1988-2006)
SchemaÜbersicht über die Entwicklung der Finanziellen Vorausschauen seit ihrer Einführung im Jahr 1988.
Commission Communication, From the Single Act to Maastricht and beyond: the means to match our ambitions (11 February 1992)
TextIn its Communication of 11 February 1992 entitled From the Single Act to Maastricht and beyond: the means to match our ambitions, also known as the ‘Delors II Package’, the Commission proposes a new Financial Perspective for the period 1993–1999.
‘Delors II package: actions speak louder than words’ from La Libre Belgique
TextOn 26 May 1992, the conservative daily newspaper La Libre Belgique analyses the national and Community aspects of the Delors II package on the financial measures required to enable the Maastricht Treaty to enter into force.
Gruppenphoto des Europäischen Rates von Edinburgh (Edinburgh, 11. und 12. Dezember 1992)
BildGruppenphoto des Europäischen Rates von Edinburgh am 11. und 12. Dezember 1992.
"Suche nach einem Haushaltskompromiss im Mittelpunkt des Edinburgher Gipfels" in Le Monde (14. Dezember 1992)
TextIn einem Kommentar der zwei Tage zuvor verabschiedeten Schlussfolgerungen des Europäischen Rates von Edinburgh berichtet die französische Tageszeitung Le Monde am 14. Dezember 1992 über die Schwierigkeiten, einen Kompromiss zur Finanzierung des Gemeinschaftshaushalts in den folgenden sieben Jahren zu finden.
‘The conclusions of Edinburgh on the “Delors II Package”’ from the Revue du Marché commun et de l’Union européenne (April 1993)
TextIn April 1993, in an article in the monthly publication Revue du Marché commun et de l’Union européenne, Philippe Jouret, administrator at the Commission of the European Communities in the Directorate General for Budget, analyses the question of the financing of the Community budget and the proposals contained in the ‘Delors II Package’.
Interinstitutionelle Vereinbarung vom 29. Oktober 1994 über das Haushaltsverfahren (29. Oktober 1993)
TextInterinstitutionelle Vereinbarung vom 29. Oktober 1993 über die Haushaltsdisziplin und die Verbesserung des Haushaltsverfahrens.
Bar chart of the 1993–1999 financial perspective
TextBar chart of the financial perspective for the period 1993–1999.
European Parliament resolution on the adjustment of the financial perspective (13 December 1994)
TextEuropean Parliament resolution, dated 13 December 1994, on the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament concerning the adjustment of the financial perspective with a view to the fourth enlargement of the European Union.
Commission Communication (I), Agenda 2000 for a stronger and wider Union (1997)
TextVolume I of the European Commission Communication of 16 July 1997 entitled Agenda 2000 for a stronger and wider Union. Amongst other things, this first volume deals with the financial framework for the period 2000–2006.
Information brochure on Agenda 2000 (1997)
TextIn 2000, the Commission publishes an information brochure setting out the broad lines of the Agenda 2000 Communication.
The financial perspective
Extraordinary European Council meeting held in Berlin (24 and 25 March 1999)
BildAt the end of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council held on 24 and 25 March 1999 in Berlin, the Heads of State or Government of the fifteen Member States of the European Union endorse the implementation of the new common agricultural policy (CAP) and the financial perspective relating to Agenda 2000.
‘The Fifteen convene at crisis Summit’ from Libération (24 March 1999)
TextOn 24 March 1999, at the height of the crisis in the European Commission, the French daily newspaper Libération considers the key issue at stake at the Berlin European Council, namely the adoption of Agenda 2000.
‘The debate on European integration can be revived' from Le Monde (27 March 1999)
TextOn 27 March 1999, with reference to the Berlin Summit, the French daily newspaper Le Monde welcomes the Fifteen's adoption of the proposals put forward by the European Commission for the implementation of Agenda 2000, which lays down the EU's financial framework for 2000–2006.
Interinstitutionelle Vereinbarung über das Haushaltsverfahren (6. Mai 1999)
TextInterinstitutionelle Vereinbarung vom 6. Mai 1999 zwischen dem Europäischen Parlament, dem Rat und der Kommission über die Haushaltsdisziplin und die Verbesserung des Haushaltsverfahrens.
Bar chart of the 2000–2006 financial perspective
TextBar chart of the financial perspective for the period 2000–2006.
Classification of expenditure and revenue ceilings (2000-2006)
TabelleComparative table of expenditure and revenue ceilings for the period 2000-2006.
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and the Council on the Adjustment of the Financial Perspective (11 February 2003)
TextDuring the Brussels European Council held on 15 and 16 December 2005, the Heads of State or Government reach agreement on the 2007–2013 financial perspective.
Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the revision of the financial perspective (19 May 2003)
TextDecision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2003 on the revision of the financial perspective 2000-2006.
Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adjustment of the financial perspective for enlargement (19 May 2003)
TextDecision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2003 on the adjustment of the financial perspective 2000-2006 for enlargement.
Commission Communication on the 2007–2013 Financial Perspective (14 July 2004)
TextOn 14 July 2004, the Commission submits to the Council and to Parliament a series of detailed policy proposals regarding the implementation of the 2007–2013 Financial Perspective.
‘The Union budget, another major Community battle’ from Le Monde (5 April 2005)
TextOn 5 April 2005, in the run-up to the European Council of June 2005, the French daily newspaper Le Monde reports on the difficulties encountered by Member States in reaching a compromise on the financial perspective 2007–2013.
Commission working document on the 2007–2013 Financial Perspective (12 April 2005)
TextOn 12 April 2005, with a view to the European Council due to take place in June, the Commission submits a working document on the technical adjustments to be made to its initial proposal on the 2007–2013 Financial Perspective.
Negotiating box on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013 (15 June 2005)
TextOn 15 June 2005, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union submits a revised version of the ‘negotiating box’ on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013 to the European Council, with a view to the meeting to be held on 16 and 17 June 2005.
Cartoon by Anibal and Reimão on the budget of the European Union
Bild‘Blair must have put off presenting the budget of the European Union several times. We can't even rely on British punctuality any more …' In 2005, Portuguese cartoonists Aníbal and Reimão take an ironic look at the British Prime Minister's stubborn insistence on rejecting any budget agreements.
‘Member States await detailed compromise of UK Presidency with impatience and concern’ from the Europe Daily Bulletin (22 November 2005)
TextIn the run-up to the December 2005 European Council, decisive in terms of the negotiations on the financial perspective 2007–2013, the Europe Daily Bulletin describes the impatience and the concern of the Member States waiting for a compromise proposal from the British Presidency.
Conclusions of the Brussels European Council: extract concerning the Financial Perspective (15 and 16 December 2005)
TextAt the Brussels European Council, held on 15 and 16 December 2005, the Heads of State or Government reach an agreement on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013.
Group photo taken at the Brussels European Council (Brussels, 15 and 16 December 2005)
BildAt the end of the Brussels European Council held on 15 and 16 December 2005, the Heads of State or Government of the 25 Member States of the European Union secure agreement on the 2007–2013 financial perspective.
‘Franco-British battle for the budget of the enlarged Europe’ from Le Monde (16 December 2005)
TextIn an article published on 16 December 2005 against the background of the difficult negotiations on the adoption of the budget for the period 2007–2013, the French daily newspaper Le Monde outlines the revised form of the new financial perspective.
Statement by José Manuel Barroso on the financial perspective 2007–2013 (17 December 2005)
TextIn his statement made on 17 December 2005, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, expresses his satisfaction at the securing of an agreement between the Heads of State or Government on the financial perspective 2007–2013, even if this agreement does not include all that was hoped for by the Commission.
‘Tony Blair makes a gesture regarding the rebate’ from La Libre Belgique (17 December 2005)
TextOn 17 December 2005, the daily newspaper La Libre Belgique gives an account of the difficult negotiations on the financial perspective 2007–2013 at the European Council held on 15 and 16 December 2005.
Final proposal from the UK Presidency on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013 (19 December 2005)
TextOn the basis of this final proposal from the UK Presidency (document 15915/05), the Heads of State or Government, meeting at the Brussels European Council on 15 and 16 December 2005, reach an agreement on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013.
‘EP/Financial Perspective 2007–2013’ from the Europe Daily Bulletin (13 January 2006)
TextIn its 13 January 2006 issue, on the eve of the European Parliament vote on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013, the Europe Daily Bulletin expects the agreement concluded at the European Council of 15 and 16 December 2005 to be rejected.
European Parliament resolution on the Financial Perspective (18 January 2006)
TextOn 18 January 2006, the European Parliament rejects the agreement on the Financial Perspective reached by the Heads of State or Government at the Brussels European Council held on 15 and 16 December 2005. The MEPs call for negotiations to be held concerning both the provisions for the period 2007–2013 and the spending plan.
‘Wisdom and moderation so that Europe may secure its financial perspective 2007–2013’ from the Europe Daily Bulletin (20 January 2006)
TextIn his editorial published on 20 January 2006, Ferdinando Riccardi, leader writer for the Europe Daily Bulletin, refers to the difficulties encountered by Europe in securing the financial perspective for the period 2007–2013.
The financial perspective
Revised proposal for the renewal of the Interinstitutional Agreement (1 February 2006)
TextOn 1 February 2006, the Commission submits a revised proposal for the renewal of the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and the improvement of the budgetary procedure for the period 2007–2013.
European Commission press release on the financial perspective 2007–2013 (1 February 2006)
TextOn 1 February 2006, the European Commission submits a revised proposal for a renewed Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and the improvement of the budgetary procedure for the period 2007–2013. The Commission’s Press Service outlines the key points of such an Agreement.
‘EU/financial perspective: the institutions work towards an agreement’ from the Europe Daily Bulletin (23 March 2006)
TextIn an article published on 23 March 2006, the Europe Daily Bulletin outlines the encouraging results concerning the adoption of an agreement on the financial perspective 2007–2013 following the trialogue meeting held on 21 March between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.
European Parliament press release on the financial perspective 2007–2013 (5 April 2006)
TextFollowing the agreement reached on the financial perspective 2007–2013 at the trialogue meeting held on 4 April 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the various protagonists and, in particular, MEPs give their reactions.
"UE: un budget communautaire au rabais" dans Libération (6 avril 2006)
TextDans un article du 6 avril 2006, le quotidien français Libération constate que bien qu’un accord ait pu être obtenu suite au trilogue du 4 avril 2006, entre le Parlement européen, le Conseil et la Commission, les députés européens sont pourtant déçus.
European Parliament decision on the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (17 May 2006)
TextOn 17 May 2006, in Strasbourg, the European Parliament approves the interinstitutional agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management which sets out the terms for the implementation of the financial perspective 2007–2013.
Interinstitutionelle Vereinbarung über die Haushaltsdisziplin und die wirtschaftliche Haushaltsführung (17. Mai 2006)
TextInterinstitutionelle Vereinbarung vom 17. Mai 2006 zwischen dem Europäischen Parlament, dem Rat und der Kommission über die Haushaltsdisziplin und die wirtschaftliche Haushaltsführung.
Unterzeichung der Einigung über den Finanzrahmen 2007-2013 (17. Mai 2006)
BildAm 17. Mai 2006 unterzeichnen die Vertreter drei Organe – Josep Borrel Fontelles für das Europäische Parlament, Wolfgang Schüssel für den Rat der Europäischen Union und Dalia Grybauskaite, Kommissarin für Finanzplanung und Haushalt – die interinstitutionelle Vereinbarung über die Haushaltsdisziplin und die wirtschaftliche Haushaltsführung.
Josep Borrell Fontelles signs the agreement on the 2007–2013 financial perspective
BildOn 17 May 2006, in Strasbourg, Josep Borrell Fontelles, President of the European Parliament, signs the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management. This Agreement concerns, in particular, the financial programming framework for 2007–2013.
‘EP/Budget: The European Parliament reluctantly approves the new financial framework 2007–2013’ from the Europe Daily Bulletin (18 May 2006)
TextOn 17 May 2006, the European Parliament approves the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management which sets out the arrangements for the implementation of the 2007–2013 financial perspective. Europe Daily Bulletin provides a statistical assessment of the 2007–2013 financial framework and publishes the comments of some Members of the European Parliament and some European Commissioners.
European Parliament press release on the financial perspective 2007–2013 (21 May 2006)
TextOn 17 May 2006, the European Parliament approves the Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and sound financial management and, in so doing, adopts the financial framework for the period from 2007 to 2013. Reactions among MEPs to this agreement are somewhat varied.
Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (18 December 2007)
TextAt a conciliation meeting, the European Parliament and the Council agree to provide part of the financing required for the Galileo satellite radio navigation system by means of a revision of the multiannual financial framework 2007–2013. As a result, on 18 December 2007, the two arms of the budgetary authority decide to amend the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management with regard to the multiannual financial framework.
EU expenditure
Community expenditure from 1958 to 2004 (in millions of euros)
TabelleTable showing the trends in Community expenditure from 1958 to 2004 in millions of euros.
Community expenditure from 1958 to 2004 (in percentages)
TabelleTable showing the Community expenditure from 1958 to 2004 in percentages.
Allocation of EU expenditure by Member State 1995–2004
TabelleTable showing the allocation of European Union expenditure by Member State since 1995
The EAGGF from 1964 to 1976
TabelleTable showing the amount granted by the 'Guidance' Section of the EAGGF between 1964 and 1976 and the expenditure of the 'Guarantee' Section in 1971, 1973 and 1976.
European Union Structural Funds
TabelleTable showing the four European Union Structural Funds and their objectives.
Cartoon by Hanel on the importance of reforming a CAP in crisis (1986)
BildIn 1986, reacting to the difficulties facing the European agricultural market, the German cartoonist Hanel portrays the need to reform the common agricultural policy (CAP).
Commission Communication, Making a success of the Single Act: a new frontier for Europe (15 February 1987)
TextIn its communication dated 15 February 1987 entitled Making a success of the Single Act: a new frontier for Europe, commonly known as the ‘Delors I Package', the Commission submits proposals for reform with a view to the completion of the internal market and the strengthening of economic and social cohesion.
'European Council avoids major crisis' from L'Europe en formation (1987)
TextFollowing the Brussels European Council, held on 29 and 30 June 1987, in its summer edition the federalist journal L'Europe en formation, analyses the disagreements between Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, and her European counterparts over the Delors plan guidelines.
European Commission reflection document on the development of and the future of the common agricultural policy (1991)
TextIn 1991, the European Commission submits to the Council and to the Parliament a discussion paper, a follow-up to the documents COM(91) 100 and COM(91)258, on the development and the future of the common agricultural policy (CAP).
Commission Communication, From the Single Act to Maastricht and beyond: the means to match our ambitions (11 February 1992)
TextIn its Communication of 11 February 1992 entitled From the Single Act to Maastricht and beyond: the means to match our ambitions, also known as the ‘Delors II Package’, the Commission recommends an adjustment of common policies, the strengthening of economic and social cohesion and increased Community external action.
'The transformation of European agriculture' from Le Monde (23 May 1992)
TextOn 23 May 1992, the French newspaper Le Monde examines the measures set out under the agreement on the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), concluded by the Twelve two days earlier in Brussels, and talks of a shake-up of European agriculture.
'Who is afraid of Delors II?' from Crocodile (June 1992)
TextIn June 1992, in the monthly journal Crocodile, Joan Colom i Naval, MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets, criticises the restrictive attitude adopted at the Lisbon European Council towards the financing of the objectives agreed in Maastricht.
EU expenditure
"Die Rechnung von Maastricht" in Le Monde (14. Dezember 1992)
TextAm 14. Dezember 1992 kommentiert die französische Tageszeitung Le Monde die schwierige Frage der Finanzierung Europas und analysiert die von Kommissionspräsident Jacques Delors auf dem Gipfel von Edinburgh vorgebrachten genauen Finanzierungspläne.
Example of aid granted by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): view of the Port of Sines before restoration (Portugal, 30 June 1989)
BildExample of aid granted as a matter of necessity by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the restoration of breakwaters west of the Port of Sines in Portugal. The ERDF is one of the four European Union Structural Funds established to reduce disparities in prosperity and living standards and to help European regions facing difficulties.
Example of aid granted by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): view of the Port of Sines after restoration (Portugal, 1993)
BildExample of aid granted by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the restoration of breakwaters west of the Port of Sines in Portugal in 1993. The ERDF is one of the four European Union Structural Funds established to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards and to help European regions facing difficulties.
Example of aid granted by the Phare programme (Estonia, 1 June 1995)
BildExample of aid granted by the Phare programme to an Estonian company. Through the Phare programme, the European Union contributes to various development projects, in particular in the Baltic States.
Aufteilung der EU-Ausgaben (1995-2005)
SchemaSchematische Darstellung der Entwicklung der Ausgaben der Europäischen Union zwischen 1995 und 2005.
Example of aid granted by the Cohesion Fund (Greece, 1 May 1996)
BildExample of aid granted by the Cohesion Fund for the construction of an aqueduct to supply Athens with drinking water in 1996. Since 1994, the Cohesion Fund has provided financial assistance for major projects relating to the environment and trans-European transport networks.
Commission Communication (I), Agenda 2000 for a stronger and wider Union (1997)
TextVolume I of the European Commission Communication of 16 July 1997 entitled Agenda 2000 for a stronger and wider Union. Amongst other things, the Commission proposes a reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and regional policy and recommends that further efforts be made towards economic and social cohesion.
European Commission Communication (II), Agenda 2000. The Challenge of Enlargement (1997)
TextVolume II of the Communication Agenda 2000, presented on 16 July 1997 by the European Commission, relating to the reinforcement of the pre-accession strategy.
Agenda 2000
BildOn 26 March 1999, at the Berlin European Council, the Fifteen adopt Agenda 2000, which establishes an action programme relating to the internal operation of the European Union, to the introduction of a new financial framework, to a reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and to the pre-accession process for the applicant countries before the enlargement of the EU.
‘An uninspiring reform’ from Le Monde (18 July 1997)
TextOn 18 July 1997, the French daily newspaper Le Monde criticises the lack of ambition in the European Commission’s work programme entitled ‘Agenda 2000’.
Example of aid granted by the European Social Fund (Glasgow, 1997)
BildExample of aid granted by the European Social Fund (ESF) for a single-parent centre in Glasgow in 1997. The ESF is one of the four European Union Structural Funds established to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards and to help European regions facing difficulties.
Cartoon by Hanel on Agenda 2000 (1999)
BildIn 1999, Hanel, German cartoonist, depicts Agenda 2000 as an obstacle to the continuation of the common agricultural policy (CAP).
‘Agenda 2000, moment of truth for the European Union’ from Le Monde (24 March 1999)
TextOn 24 March 1999, Peter Hartmann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in Paris, comments on the issue of the financing of the European Union and emphasises the implications of Agenda 2000.
European Commission Decision on the implementation of the PHARE programme in the EU candidate countries (15 June 1998)
TextOn 15 June 1998, the European Commission draws up a report on the guidelines for the implementation of the Community Programme for Poland and Hungary: assistance for the restructuring of the economies (PHARE) of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEECs) which have applied for accession to the European Union.
The PHARE programme (1998)
BildOn 27 February 1998, Hans van den Broek, Member of the Commission of the European Communities in charge of External Political Relations and Enlargement Negotiations, seals one of the lorries that, as a consequence of the PHARE programme, is getting ready to leave Brussels in order to take material aid to Estonia.
‘The European Union faces up to a marked increase in expenditure’ from Le Monde (24 February 2000)
TextIn an article published on 24 February 2000, the French daily newspaper Le Monde reports on the difficulties encountered by the European Union, given its ever increasing expenditure, in complying with the financial framework established for the period 2000–2006.
‘Regional policy as an instrument of solidarity’ from the Luxemburger Wort (5 August 2000)
TextIn an article published on 5 August 2000, following the reform of regional policy provided for by Agenda 2000, the daily newspaper Luxemburger Wort outlines the objectives and the total budget of the Structural Funds for the period 2000–2006.
‘The impact of the institutions’ from La Libre Belgique (21 June 2001)
TextOn 21 June 2001, the daily newspaper La Libre Belgique calculates the number of civil servants working for the European institutions in Belgium and the operating expenditure required to support them.
Humanitarian aid in the Balkans: programme for rehabilitation through training
BildExample of humanitarian action financed by the European Union. This photo shows a programme for rehabilitation through training in the Balkans.
Humanitarian aid in the Balkans: distribution of food
BildExample of humanitarian action financed by the European Union. This photo shows the distribution of food.
‘The European Union intensifies and extends its efforts in research’ from Le Monde (14 November 2002)
TextOn 14 November 2002, the French daily newspaper Le Monde describes the enthusiasm with which the conference on European research, held a few days earlier in Brussels, was received and, in so doing, highlights the growing importance of research in the expenditure of the European Union.
Conflict prevention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2003)
BildExample of European Union cooperation measures. This photo shows conflict prevention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2003.
Communication from the Commission: Building our Common Future (10 February 2004)
TextIn its communication dated 10 February 2004 entitled Building our Common Future: Policy challenges and budget resources in the enlarged Union 2007–2013, the Commission considers the Union’s policy guidelines and priority objectives for the period 2007–2013 and the budget resources which need to be implemented to comply with them.
EU expenditure
Overview of main operational policy areas (2004)
TabelleOverview of the main operational policy areas of the European Union in 2004.
Staff of the Community institutions from 1970 to 2004
TabelleTable showing the number of staff working for the Community institutions from 1970 to 2004.
Health assistance programme for victims of the Tsunami (India, December 2004)
BildExample of humanitarian action financed by the European Union (EU). This photo shows health assistance provided by the EU in India following the Tsunami disaster in December 2004.
Cartoon by Ventura and El Burladero on the countries receiving assistance from the Cohesion Fund
Bild‘Sorry, Sir, but all those with the Cohesion Fund must sit up in the gallery.' Spanish cartoonists Ventura and El Burladero take an ironic look at Spain's status as a net beneficiary compared to that of Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
Negotiating box on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013 (15 June 2005)
TextOn 15 June 2005, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union submits a revised version of the ‘negotiating box' on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013 to the European Council, with a view to the meeting to be held on 16 and 17 June 2005.
‘Complete review of the expenditure items of the European Union’ from La Voix du Luxembourg (18 June 2005)
TextIn an article published on 18 June 2005 in the daily newspaper La Voix du Luxembourg, Douglas Alexander, then British Minister of State for Europe, considers that the time has come to review the spending policy of the Union.
‘Franco-British battle for the budget of the enlarged Europe’ from Le Monde (16 December 2005)
TextIn an article published on 16 December 2005 against the background of the difficult negotiations on the adoption of the budget for the period 2007–2013, the French daily newspaper Le Monde considers the evolution of the Union’s priorities and the scale of its expenditure.
Final proposal from the UK Presidency on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013 (19 December 2005)
TextOn the basis of this final proposal from the UK Presidency (document 15915/05), the Heads of State or Government, meeting at the Brussels European Council on 15 and 16 December 2005, reach an agreement on the Financial Perspective 2007–2013.
‘Europe adopts a budget to overcome the crisis’ from Le Monde (19 December 2005)
TextFollowing the Brussels European Council of 15 and 16 December 2005 and after the difficult negotiations conducted between the Heads of State or Government, the French daily newspaper Le Monde considers the substance of the agreement secured on the financial perspective 2007–2013.
‘European aid in numbers’ from La Voix du Luxembourg (27 December 2005)
TextOn 27 December 2005, the daily newspaper La Voix du Luxembourg assesses the scale and the allocation of the funds committed by the European Union to help the victims of the tsunami.
The DIPECHO programme in Nicaragua: the example of theatre (2005)
BildExample of humanitarian action financed by the European Union. DIPECHO is disaster-preparedness programme; it shows that simple, inexpensive preparatory measures — such as acting out a play, as seen here — are extremely effective in limiting damage and saving human lives during a catastrophe.
Hygiene training programme (Colombia, 2005)
BildExample of humanitarian action financed by the European Union. This photo shows a hygiene training programme.
Distribution of food under the ECHO food aid programme (Guinea)
BildExample of humanitarian action financed by the European Union. This photo shows the distribution of food in Guinea.
‘A slightly improved budget?’ from Le Soir (4 April 2006)
TextIn the light of the trialogue meeting held on 4 April 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the Belgian daily newspaper Le Soir considers the difficulties involved in reaching an agreement on the financial perspective 2007–2013 and the unfortunate consequences for Community expenditure of a budget ‘on the cheap’.
European Parliament press release on EU activities to promote human rights in the world (21 May 2006)
TextThis press release from the European Parliament, dated 21 May 2006, outlines the actions undertaken by the European Union for the defence and the promotion of human rights in the world.
European Parliament press release on the Structural Funds (5 July 2006)
TextOn 4 July 2006, the European Parliament gives the green light for the Structural Funds package for the period from 2007 to 2013. The Structural Funds account for more than one third of the total budget of the Community.
‘EU funds well spent’ from the Luxemburger Wort (31 August 2006)
TextOn 31 August 2006, the daily newspaper Luxemburger Wort reports that, since the May 2004 enlargement, the Polish economy has grown substantially, thanks to financial assistance from the European Union.
‘The new Member States may well have some of their Structural Funds cancelled’ from the Bulletin Quotidien Europe (25 September 2007)
TextIn its edition dated 25 September 2007, the Bulletin Quotidien Europe publishes the conclusions of the financial report on the European Union’s 2006 budget. Among other things, this report gives information about the way in which EU expenditure has been allocated and the difficulties that the 10 new Member States have had in absorbing the appropriations from the Structural Funds that were allocated to them.
Communication from the Commission entitled Reforming the budget, changing Europe (12 September 2007)
TextOn 12 September 2007, the European Commission adopts a public consultation document entitled ‘Reforming the budget, changing Europe’ on the European Union budget review due to be undertaken in 2008–2009. This communication suggests avenues which might be explored concerning the changes to be made in terms of both expenditure and revenue.
Comparison between the objectives of the Structural Funds (2000-2006)
TabelleComparison between the objectives of the Structural Funds for the period 2000-2006.
Main beneficiaries of appropriations for structural operations (2000-2006)
TabelleTable showing the main beneficiaries of appropriations for structural measures during the period 2000-2006.
ECSC expenditure
Guidelines from the free trade unions in the ECSC Member States (2 February 1952)
TextOn 2 February 1952, the free trade unions in the six Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) lay down precise guidelines with regard to the construction of workers' accommodation.
Workers' housing (Luxembourg, November 1954)
TextIn November 1954, the High Authority publishes its second report on the activities of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in which it outlines its plans to build low-cost housing.
ECSC expenditure
Commentary by Paolo Emilio Taviani on the ECSC (March 1957)
TextIn March 1954, Paolo Emilio Taviani, Italian Defence Minister, summarises the first five years of operation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and emphasises its economic and social benefits for Italy.
Address given by Paul Finet (Strasbourg, 13 May 1958)
TextOn 13 May 1958, in Strasbourg, Paul Finet, President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), gives the European Parliamentary Assembly (EPA) an overview of the measures taken by the High Authority to deal with the economic difficulties affecting the European coal and steel industries.
"Die Wiedereingliederungshilfen ermöglichen die Umschulung von 56 000 Arbeitern" in Communauté européenne (Oktober 1965)
TextIn den sechziger Jahren führt die Kohlenkrise zur Schließung von Fabriken und zu Massenentlassungen. Die Europäische Gemeinschaft für Kohle und Stahl (EGKS) startet ein soziales Aktionsprogramm, das insbesondere die Umschulung der Bergarbeiter vorsieht.
"Aus der Geschichte der EGKS, Rosiges und Tristes" in Le Monde (9. Mai 1970)
TextIn einem Artikel zum zwanzigsten Jahrestag der Schuman-Erklärung zieht die französische Tageszeitung Le Monde am 9. Mai 1970 eine teils positive, teils negative Bilanz der Arbeit der Europäischen Gemeinschaft für Kohle und Stahl (EGKS).
Council Decision 77/729/ECSC (21 November 1977)
TextCouncil Decision of 21 November 1977 adjusting the portion of administrative expenditure of the European Coal and Steel Community to be covered by levies on the production of coal and steel (77/729/ECSC).
Vertrag von Nizza – Erklärung Nr. 24 über die finanziellen Folgen des Ablaufs der Geltungsdauer des EGKS-Vertrags (26. Februar 2001)
TextErklärung Nr. 24 zu Artikel 2 des Protokolls über die finanziellen Folgen des Ablaufs des EGKS-Vertrags und den Forschungsfonds für Kohle und Stahl im Anhang an die Schlussakte des Vertrags von Nizza vom 26. Februar 2001.
Protocol (No 34) on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty (Nice, 26 February 2001)
TextProtocol (No 34) on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community by the Treaty of Nice of 26 February 2001.
Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States on the expiry of the ECSC Treaty (27 February 2002)
TextThe Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) expires on 23 July 2002. By Decision of 27 February 2002, the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, provide for temporary management of the ECSC funds by the European Commission in the context of their transfer to the European Community (EC).
‘The research continues!’ from La Voix du Luxembourg (27 June 2002)
TextOn 27 June 2002, as the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) nears the date of expiry, the daily newspaper La Voix du Luxembourg welcomes the avant-garde role played by the ECSC in the field of research and the continuation of this work even after the organisation ceases to exist.
Council Decision 2003/76/EC (1 February 2003)
TextCouncil Decision of 1 February 2003 establishing the measures necessary for the implementation of the Protocol, annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (2003/76/EC).
Council Decision 2003/77/EC (1 February 2003)
TextCouncil Decision of 1 February 2003 laying down multiannual financial guidelines for managing the assets of the ECSC in liquidation and, on completion of the liquidation, the Assets of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (2003/77/EC).
Council Decision 2003/78/EC (1 February 2003)
TextCouncil Decision of 1 February 2003 laying down the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (2003/78/EC).
Enrico Gibellieri, Social policy instruments in the Treaty establishing the ECSC
TextIn this memorandum Enrico Gibellieri, the last President of the Consultative Committee of the ECSC, from 10 October 2001 to 23 July 2002, examines the advances made in the fields of social policy that took place over fifty years in Europe thanks to the instruments provided by the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), particularly the instruments regarding sectoral dialogue and those improving living and working conditions.