EU lawmakers threaten to veto tightened budget
By The Associated Press
This article was published February 18, 2013 at 8:56 a.m.
BRUSSELS — The leaders of the European Parliament are threatening to veto the bloc’s multi-annual budget because of its deep cuts.
The Christian Democratic EPP, the largest group in the legislature, said the seven-year budget worth $1.28 trillion must be revised to realistically reflect the EU’s growing competences and responsibilities.
Socialist leader Hannes Swoboda called the budget, which needs parliament’s approval, unacceptable and said there won’t be a majority for the proposed plan.
The EU’s 27 member states earlier this month agreed on a budget deal that foresees the first cuts in the bloc’s history for the years 2014-2020.
EU President Herman Van Rompuy defended the plan as shifting funds toward growth-friendly investment while recognizing the need to tighten belts currently felt across Europe.
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