2007 budget: higher payments but no flexibility or cuts in posts at the Commission

The Budgets Committee of the European Parliament on 10 October 2006 wound up its first-reading vote on the 2007 draft budget when it dealt with the headings 'The EU as a global partner' and 'Administration'. The committee is proposing to increase payment appropriations and has decided not to call for the flexibility instrument to be used for external action. MEPs also rejected the Council's proposal to cut the number of posts at the European Commission.