Special meeting of the European Council - November 2012 (Day 1)

Arrival of Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

Keywords : Di Rupo Duration : 00:00:18

SOUNDBITE (Dutch) Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

When it comes to the EU budget we are very ambitious. It is essential to have a good budget, to have more solidarity between the EU lands, we need more money and I hope it will be possible to achieve an ambitious budget. It is a pity that the UK has this position. Europe is, above all, a single market. For me, for Belgium, Europe means more solidarity, freedom, so I ask David Cameron to sign for an ambitious budget. I don't whether that will be possible, we shall see, but I hope that other countries, such as France and Italy, will support us in trying to secure an ambitious budget.

Keywords : budget | UK Duration : 00:02:18

SOUNDBITE (French) Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

Belgium supports the idea of an ambitious budget for more solidarity inside the EU. We want an active policy on agriculture, for regions in transition, for regions in difficulties like Limbourg. The general philosophy is that if we reduce the European budget, we reduce also all European policies. Today we need more than ever financial means to be ablo to redistribute and launch new industry policies.

Keywords : budget Duration : 00:00:59

SOUNDBITE (French) Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

There will be modifications in many sectors, we have to be reasonable, there is room for some movement but within reasonable limits, solidarity must be real. Europe cannot impose this or that measure unless it provides the means for these demands. It will be a very important debate, which I am afraid will be also a long one.

Duration : 00:00:35

SOUNDBITE (French) Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

There will certainly be modifications, we are not under the same circumstances as with the past budgets. There will be reductions for some regions, but we have pleaded for support for the so-called regions in transition, I will support the request of the province of Limbourg, whereas evolutions on agriculture must be reasonable because it is about funds given directly to our farmers.

Duration : 00:00:39

SOUNDBITE (French) Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

I understand that people worry, we will do our best, I hope there will be other countries as well that will support our demands. A veto is always possible, we will try to negotiate reasonably, but I cannot exclude anything.

Duration : 00:00:33

SOUNDBITE (French) Elio DI RUPO, Prime Minister of Belgium

There are people that make ends meet, but others that face great difficulties as well. We have to support our economy, but not forget the people in difficulty

Duration : 00:01:00

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Duration : 00:00:01