EU budget 2016: Council calls for realism

On 19 October 2015, the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council signalled a note of caution and realism ahead of the conciliation talks with the European Parliament on the EU budget for 2016.

"We all agree that we are facing major political challenges which require us to take exceptional measures and to mobilise extraordinary financial support. But we cannot

continue simply to increase the EU budget without any limits. We have to address the current situation whilst fully respecting the constraints on our finances, and in the light of clearly justified priorities", said Pierre Gramegna, minister for finance of Luxembourg and President of the Council at a trilogue-meeting with representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission.