European Liberals and Democrats have taken an active part in defining the mandate adopted today by the Budget Parliamentary Committee for the trialogue with the Council on the 2013 budget. Insofar as it is a priority to fund competitiveness, especially SMEs, and the implementation of the 2020 Strategy, ALDE supports the increase in payment appropriations proposed by the European Commission. However, it is necessary to ensure that the amounts are reasonable and that more than ever, the procedure allows for flexibility.

Carl HAGLUND (Svenska folkpartiet, Finland), ALDE coordinator for the Budget Parliamentary Committee said: "Achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy is essential in Europe's struggle to emerge from the current crisis. Particularly R&D plays a major role in this effort. The upcoming trialogue must be used to find a constructive solution to the issue of outstanding payments in the Research Framework Programme, which risks jeopardizing the success of the entire programme and destroying the Union's reputation as a partner."

Alexander ALVARO (FDP, Germany), ALDE spokesman on the 2013 budget, added: "The 2013 budget contains the seeds of fundamental questions about the future, since it is the last year before the next Multiannual Financial Framework. This is why it is crucial that the issue of outstanding funds already committed, the so-called 'reste à liquider', be solved. For this we need the Member States' help and hope the trialogue can foster a constructive solution, otherwise the outstanding commitments will become a millstone around our necks ".