Accession Treaty: European Parliament recommendation for a financial frame (Rule 96(4) EP Rules of Procedure)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution containing its recommendations to the Council on the introduction in the draft Accession Treaty of a financial framework. The rapporteurs were Elmar BROK (EPP-ED, Germany) and Terence WYNN (PES, United Kingdom). This resolution required an absolute majority of 313 votes. Parliament stated that, whilst it remained fully committed to accession on 01/05/04, it could not accept Article 32 of the Act of Accession or Annex XV. If the latter are maintained in their current form, Parliament regarded this as: - an infringement of Parliament's prerogatives in budgetary matters as laid down in Article 272 of the EC Treaty; - a violation of the Interinstitutional Agreement; and - discrimination against the new Member States. The Member States' approach is a breach of the principle of loyal co-operation between the institutions. Parliament interpreted this is a signal that the Council intends to abandon the Interinstitutional Agreement and the financial perspective in it. If Member States insist on maintaining Article 32 and Annex XV in the draft Act of Accession in their current form, Parliament could continue budgetary co-operation only if Parliament's powers are fully respected and the new Member States are treated in the same way as the current Member States. The Commission is reminded of its role as guardian of the Treaties and asked to take all necessary steps. It should also be noted that at a trilogue held between a delegation of Parliament's Budget Committee, Council and Commission, no agreement was reached. The Foreign Affairs Committee chair Elmar BROK (EPP-ED, D) told the House before the vote that a trilogue will be held on 1 April in Athens. Parliament was set to vote on the accession of ten countries on 9 April and this makes a speedy solution for the budgetary dispute all the more urgent. Finally, Parliament invited Member States and the Council to follow its recommendations so as not to delay the signing of the Accession Treaty.�