Press Release: Commission lays foundations for 2001 budget proposals

The European Commission adopted orientations for the 2001 Preliminary Draft Budget (PDB) on 23 February 2000. The orientations are based on the political priorities identified in the Commission's 2000-2005 strategic objectives. The 2001 budget will have to take into account the deeper involvement of the European Union in foreign affairs and the Commission's willingness to support rural development as well as the development of knowledge based society. Through an 'Activity-based budgeting' approach, the Commission will aim to ensure a better match between the level of financial and human resources and its activities.