On 13 July 2007, I represented the UK at the Budget Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN).

The Council conducted its first reading of the EC’s budget for 2008. The Council adopted a draft budget that was supported by all member states.

During a conciliation meeting between the Council and the European Parliament, five joint statements relating to the budget were agreed. These concerned: structural and cohesion funds and rural development 2007-13 programmes; recruitment in relation to the 2004 and 2007 enlargement; decentralised agencies; executive agencies; and assigned revenues. The Government are supportive of these statements, which call for a greater degree of transparency, sound financial management and budget discipline in the areas they concern.