OREANDA-NEWS. August 01, 2011. Latvia’s initial negotiating position over the EU 2014-2020 multiyear budget was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers meeting.

When negotiating the EU 2014-2020 multiyear budget, Latvia will focus on two key priorities: sufficient financing for cohesion funds so that Latvia could faster achieve the EU average level and create favourable conditions for the growth of Latvian economy and the development of infrastructure, as well as providing level playing field for the Latvian farmers in common European market.

As reported earlier, the European commission came forth with its EU multiyear budget proposal on 29 June 2011. Saeima of the Republic o Latvia on 14 July 2011 adopted the Statement on an Equitable Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union after 2013 and the Statement on the EU Budget Financing for Reducing Social and Economic Disparities after 2013.

In the statements, the Saeima calls on the European Union (EU) to develop an equitable common agricultural policy so that farmers from all the member states receive the same direct area payments as well to maintain the current level of cohesion funding for Latvia.

The first discussions by the European Union member states over the draft budget are scheduled for 28 and 29 July during Informal Meeting of Ministers of European Affairs in Sopot (Poland) and will allow the member states to exchange their initial positions and opinions. Clarifying discussions over the new multiyear budget are expected to proceed up to the end of the year in General Affairs Council. Negotiations in substance will continue over the entire next year. The final agreement by European Council over the budget framework is expected to be reached by the end of 2012.