The European Parliament currently is strongly divided regarding the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework – said Minister of State for EU Affairs Enikő Győri on 5 March 2013 in Brussels. Enikő Győri held discussions with MEPs and tried to convince them to approve the agreement.

Enikő Győri said that she had arrived in Brussels to analyse the status of the medium-term budget. The European Council reached an agreement on the MFF on 8 February 2013, but the budget also requires the approval of the European Parliament to come into force.

Minister of State Győri met several MEPs from the three largest political groups – the centre-right Christian democratic European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).  She also held discussions with Hungarian delegates, German rapporteur Reimer Böge (EPP) and Bulgarian rapporteur Ivalo Kalfin (S&D), deputy chairman Alexander Graf Lambsdorff of ALDE and Chairman of EPP Joseph Daul.

“It is unknown what would happen if they were to vote now” – she said. She spoke about the resolution taht the EP intends to approve next week, which determines the direction of further negotiations.

Minister of State Győri endeavoured to convince her partners about the agreement made on 8 February 2013. “At home, we have spoken several times about the fact that this financial package is very favourable” – she added, reminding that Hungary had achieved second place amongst the member states regarding net funding per capita.

“Our interest is to come to an agreement as soon as possible, so everyone can apply in time and farmers can access their resources at the earliest opportunity” – declared the Minister of State.

“Certain corrections may improve the situation, but this should not drive the European Union into uncertainty concerning the approval of the medium-term budget” – said Enikő Győri about the standpoint of the Hungarian Government.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)