MEPs approve EU long-term budget after divisive talks

The European Parliament has approved the EU's long-term budget, after months of wrangling with EU governments.

The budget total for 2014-2020 has been set at 960bn euros (£822bn; $1.3tn). It cuts real spending for the first time.

Wednesday's vote followed a deal struck last week between a group of MEPs, ministers and the European Commission.

• Primary Source

European Parliament, 03.07.13: EU budget: Parliament accepts negotiated MFF 2014-2020 package http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pressroom/content/20130701IPR14781/

EurActiv, 02.07.13: Lamassoure: Parliament will vote on the EU budget twice http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/lamassoure-parliament-vote-eu-bu-news-529018

ESO: Background information: Deal on longterm EU budget following last-minute talks http://www.europeansources.info/record/deal-on-longterm-eu-budget-following-last-minute-talks/

ESO: Background Information: Parliament adopts resolution on MFF 2014-2020 - Statement by Financial Programming and Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-parliament-adopts-resolution-on-mff-2014-2020-statement-by-financial-programming-and-budget-commissioner-janusz-lewandowski/

EurActiv, 04.07.13: MEPs approve long-term budget compromise http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/meps-approve-eu-long-term-budget-news-529075

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