Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Budget)

The Council is expected to reach agreement on its second reading of the draft general budget for the financial year 2010, following the usual conciliation meeting with the European Parliament. The main points for discussion are the financing of the second part of the European Economic Recovery Plan and the total amount of the payment appropriations. The Council will also take note of the Annual Report for 2008 by the Court of Auditors.

Background

The preliminary draft general budget submitted by the Commission in spring 2009 was scrutinised
at first reading by the Council on 10 July. The European Parliament conducted its first reading on
22 October 2009. The Council's second reading on 19 November will be preceded by a conciliation
meeting at which the two arms of the budget authority customarily seek an agreement on the
budget for the coming year. Final adoption and signing of the budget are expected to take place in
Strasbourg in December.