"The European Union must opt for leadership, and the 2006 budget proposal is a step in that direction. Otherwise, we risk falling behind in the world-wide race for knowledge, for growth and for jobs, and we cannot fight for our vital interests," said Dalia Grybauskaite, the Member of the European Commission responsible for Financial Programming and Budget.
The basic priorities of the draft budget are increased investment in economic growth and more jobs, solidarity within the enlarged Union, improved security for its citizens, the future enlargement, and a stronger role for the Union on the global scene.
According to a press release issued on the EC's web site, "the Commission proposes an amount of EUR112.6 billion. This corresponds to 1.02% of the Union"s Gross National Income (GNI) and is an increase of 6% on the 2005 budget".
With regard to plans for the bloc's enlargement, "the preparation for future enlargement will continue, in line with the roadmaps agreed for Bulgaria and Romania. Turkey and Croatia will also continue to benefit from the Pre-Accession Strategy expenditure."
"Aid for EU candidate countries will increase substantially, in preparation for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, and to help Croatia and Turkey meet the necessary standards to join the EU, " it added.