In the past weeks, Labour MEP Louis Grech was involved in negotiations to reach consensus on the European Parliament Budget for the year 2007.

Mr Grech was present for the Finance Ministers Meeting of 25 EU countries where he also acted as rapporteur of the Budgets Committee within the EP. He said that the new EU Budget was to increase spending by around e2.6 billion or an increase of 5.5 per cent over that of 2006.

The Labour MEP said that there must be an increase of productivity and efficiency coupled with better use of resources to reach further financial consolidation. He said that across the board cuts are counter-productive and called for a budget based on specific objectives.

Mr Grech also took part in trilogue meetings between the European Council, the Council and the Commission which took place in Finland on 10 July. His Working Paper was also discussed during the said meeting.