Merkel downplays EU budget veto threats

The United Kingdom is deeply opposed to the draft European Union Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF), 2014-2020 and is threatening to veto it at the European Council in late November 2012. Germany too had its doubts. The two countries could torpedo the summit, but Chancellor Merkel was eager to find a compromise. Prime Minister David Cameron, on the other hand, had his hands tied by a vote in the House of Commons on the 31 October 2012 - and a protracted battle may ensue.

Other EU Member States also had strong views on budgetary issues.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU budget vote: Rebel MPs defeat government over spending cut call http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-budget-vote-rebel-mps-defeat-government-over-spending-cut-call/

ESO: Background information: New EU budget proposal cuts across red lines http://www.europeansources.info/record/new-eu-budget-proposal-cuts-across-red-lines/

ESO: Background information: Website: Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 http://www.europeansources.info/record/multiannual-financial-framework-2014-2020/

Spiegel Online International, 1.11.12: Merkel and Cameron Lead Opposition to EU Budget http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/uk-vote-could-spark-major-eu-budget-row-a-864693.html

EurActiv, 2.11.12: Merkel raps Britain, France over threatened budget vetoes [ http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/merkel-raps-britain-france-threa-news-515803

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