Press Release: EU draft budget 2012: For 500 million Europeans in times of austerity

'A delicate balancing act combining austerity and growth boosting measures for 500 million Europeans'. This was how Budget and Financial Programming Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski described the draft EU budget 2012 as adopted by the European Commission on 20 April 2011.

The draft budget for 2012 represents €132.7 bn in payments amounting to a 4.9% increase on 2011. Commitments amount to €147.4 bn (+3.7%). The key objective of the 2012 Draft Budget is to fully support the European economy and EU citizens.

The European Commission's proposals set the scene for the annual game of tug-of-war between EU Member States and the European Parliament on the budget.

The 4.9% rise immediately drew fire from the UK and other northern countries who accused Brussels of ignoring continent-wide austerity measures.

BBC News, 20.4.11: EU Commission wants budget raised by nearly 5% http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13141644

Deutsche Welle, 20.4.11: EU Commission budget demand sets up new battle with member states http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15006570,00.html

EUObserver, 20.4.11: EU 2012 budget request sets scene for fresh battle http://euobserver.com/9/32220

European Commission: DG Budget: Financial Programming and Budget: Budget in figures: 2012 http://ec.europa.eu/budget/figures/2012/2012_en.cfm

EurActiv, 21.4.11: Brussels defends 5% budget increase for 2012 http://www.euractiv.com/priorities/brussels-defends-5-budget-increa-news-504221

ESO: Background information: Secret bid to hold EU budget for 10 years http://www.europeansources.info/record/secret-bid-to-hold-eu-budget-for-10-years/

Open Europe: Press Release, 20.4.11: Proposed 2012 EU budget to increase UK contribution by £680 million http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=166

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