Resolution on the after 2006 financial perspective with a view to the European Council meeting in December 2004

In adopting a joint resolution with 499 votes in favour, 67 against and 39 abstentions on the new financial perspective, Parliament stresses that it is not ready to agree on a new financial perspective without a guarantee on the financing of:

- policies enabling greater EU integration and cohesion;

- Parliament's priorities;

- a flexible margin for unforeseen events or needs.

Parliament recalled that the current financial perspective will remain in force until the end of the year 2006. It confirmed its objective of having a multiannual financial framework for the period after 2006. It also recalled that the EU Treaty does not lay down any legal obligation to adopt a financial perspective. An agreement between Parliament and the Council is necessary in order to have a financial perspective beyond 2006, as the two institutions are placed on an equal footing.

Parliament went on to insists that the timetable for decision-making procedures should be such as to avoid any breaks in the multiannual programmes and the rate of commitment and payment of appropriations, such as those that occurred at the beginning of the current financial perspective period.

Finally, it demanded that monthly trialogues be organised to ensure an effective exchange of information on the ongoing internal discussions leading to the respective common positions, including, in due course, on the issue of own resources.