natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
For FRONTEX, your rapporteur notes that another increase from 2007 to 2008 of about EUR 4 million is requested, after an increase of EUR 15,3 million between 2006 and 2007.
For FRONTEX, your rapporteur notes that another increase from 2007 to 2008 of about EUR 4 million is requested, after an increase of EUR 15,3 million between 2006 and 2007.
These increases would appear to be due to the extension of the tasks of FRONTEX, including the fact that 2008 is the first year when Rapid Border Intervention Teams are due to become fully operational.
These increases would appear to be due to the extension of the tasks of FRONTEX, including the fact that 2008 is the first year when Rapid Border Intervention Teams are due to become fully operational.
A similar development is being noted for the EUROJUST agency, which benefits from an increase of EUR 1 586 000 in 2008 (PDB 2008 EUR 20,0 million) compared with budget 2007, after an increase of EUR 3 714 000 in Budget 2006.
A similar development is being noted for the EUROJUST agency, which benefits from an increase of EUR 1 586 000 in 2008 (PDB 2008 EUR 20,0 million) compared with budget 2007, after an increase of EUR 3 714 000 in Budget 2006.
Heading 3b - Citizenship
Heading 3b - Citizenship
This sub-hearing also covers public health, consumer protection and civil protection.
This sub-hearing also covers public health, consumer protection and civil protection.
The global amount of appropriations funding this sub-heading represents EUR 598,5 million in commitment appropriations, and EUR 694,4 million in payment appropriations.
The global amount of appropriations funding this sub-heading represents EUR 598,5 million in commitment appropriations, and EUR 694,4 million in payment appropriations.
The margin is a mere EUR 16,5 million.
The margin is a mere EUR 16,5 million.
This PDB 2008 figures show a decrease for the 2008 budget of 7,6% in commitments !appropriation and 4,6% in payment appropriations (compared to B2007).
This PDB 2008 figures show a decrease for the 2008 budget of 7,6% in commitments !appropriation and 4,6% in payment appropriations (compared to B2007).
PDB 2008 document I (page 6) notes however that " this reduction in appropriations... must be seen in the context of the inclusion in the 2007 budget of EUR 24,4 million for the Solidarity Fund, and EUR 87 million for the completion of transition measures in Bulgaria and Romania" .
PDB 2008 document I (page 6) notes however that " this reduction in appropriations... must be seen in the context of the inclusion in the 2007 budget of EUR 24,4 million for the Solidarity Fund, and EUR 87 million for the completion of transition measures in Bulgaria and Romania" .
Therefore, excluding these two instruments, an increase of appropriations will be observed (comparing to B2007) of 11,6% in commitment appropriations, and 4,6% in payment appropriations.
Therefore, excluding these two instruments, an increase of appropriations will be observed (comparing to B2007) of 11,6% in commitment appropriations, and 4,6% in payment appropriations.
According to the PDB2008, the five key expenditure items under this sub-heading will be distributed in the following way:
According to the PDB2008, the five key expenditure items under this sub-heading will be distributed in the following way:
- Fostering European culture and diversity (EUR 192,966 million)
- Fostering European culture and diversity (EUR 192,966 million)
- Information society end media (EUR 104,180 million)
- Information society end media (EUR 104,180 million)
- Decentralised Agencies: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Food Safety Authority (EUR 102,600 million)
- Decentralised Agencies: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Food Safety Authority (EUR 102,600 million)
- Informing about European policy and better connections with citizens (EUR 88,630 million)
- Informing about European policy and better connections with citizens (EUR 88,630 million)
- Ensuring access to basic goods and services (EUR 72,500 million)
- Ensuring access to basic goods and services (EUR 72,500 million)
The objective concerning Fostering European culture and diversity receives the most important allowance in this heading.
The objective concerning Fostering European culture and diversity receives the most important allowance in this heading.
Three programmes aim to support the main objective of fostering mutual understanding and shared European identity by developing links in the fields of culture, youth and citizenship.
Three programmes aim to support the main objective of fostering mutual understanding and shared European identity by developing links in the fields of culture, youth and citizenship.
Youth in Action (EUR 123,40 millions) aims at promoting active citizenship among the youth and encouraging networking between youth workers and NGOs.
Youth in Action (EUR 123,40 millions) aims at promoting active citizenship among the youth and encouraging networking between youth workers and NGOs.
Culture 2007-2013 (EUR 48,79 million) dedicated to MS and candidate countries follows three specific objectives: Promotion of mobility of those working in the cultural sector; encouraging circulation of art-work; intercultural dialogue.
Culture 2007-2013 (EUR 48,79 million) dedicated to MS and candidate countries follows three specific objectives: Promotion of mobility of those working in the cultural sector; encouraging circulation of art-work; intercultural dialogue.
Citizens for Europe programme (EUR 29,48 million, commitments) includes support to civil society and a variety of organisations promoting European interest, as well as town twinning.
Citizens for Europe programme (EUR 29,48 million, commitments) includes support to civil society and a variety of organisations promoting European interest, as well as town twinning.
Media 2007 programme (EUR 103,18 million, commitments), in the policy area Information Society and Media, aims to preserve and enhance European diversity and its cinematographic and audiovisual heritage.
Media 2007 programme (EUR 103,18 million, commitments), in the policy area Information Society and Media, aims to preserve and enhance European diversity and its cinematographic and audiovisual heritage.
The PDB2008 requests EUR 201,16 million under this heading.
The PDB2008 requests EUR 201,16 million under this heading.
The importance of communication policy was highlighted by a recent hearing in the Committee on Budgets at which members discussed at considerable length the relative importance of a local or a supra-national strategy, and the appropriate level of institutional independence as regards communicating with citizens.
The importance of communication policy was highlighted by a recent hearing in the Committee on Budgets at which members discussed at considerable length the relative importance of a local or a supra-national strategy, and the appropriate level of institutional independence as regards communicating with citizens.
Heading 4 - The EU as a global partner
Heading 4 - The EU as a global partner
Commitment appropriations are proposed at EUR 6, 9 billion compared to EUR 6, 8 billion in B2007 (+1, 5 %).
Commitment appropriations are proposed at EUR 6, 9 billion compared to EUR 6, 8 billion in B2007 (+1, 5 %).
Payments are budgeted at EUR 7, 9 billion, an increase of 7, 7%.
Payments are budgeted at EUR 7, 9 billion, an increase of 7, 7%.
A considerable margin of EUR 329, 9 million (about 5% of the heading) is left under the ceiling.
A considerable margin of EUR 329, 9 million (about 5% of the heading) is left under the ceiling.
This is an artificially high margin as the Commission has already announced that appropriations such as for Kosovo and Palestine might be required at higher levels than budgeted in the PDB.
This is an artificially high margin as the Commission has already announced that appropriations such as for Kosovo and Palestine might be required at higher levels than budgeted in the PDB.
It is, however, the Commission's intention at this stage that most or the entire margin could be used for this purpose.
It is, however, the Commission's intention at this stage that most or the entire margin could be used for this purpose.
The rapporteur cannot of course endorse any pre-assigned use of the margin in that sense.
The rapporteur cannot of course endorse any pre-assigned use of the margin in that sense.
It should be noted that EUR 200 million of the margin is available because the Guarantee Fund for external third country loans will not need to be provisioned from the budget in 2008.
It should be noted that EUR 200 million of the margin is available because the Guarantee Fund for external third country loans will not need to be provisioned from the budget in 2008.
Although this additional space does exist in 2008, some care should be taken as an expenditure post of EUR 200 million (compulsory expenditure) will come back for 2009.
Although this additional space does exist in 2008, some care should be taken as an expenditure post of EUR 200 million (compulsory expenditure) will come back for 2009.
The Commission states in the PDB that administrative support expenditure (ex.
The Commission states in the PDB that administrative support expenditure (ex.
"BA.lines") have been cut by 5% due to under-execution in previous years and that EUR 23,3 million have been added to the operational programmes.
"BA.lines") have been cut by 5% due to under-execution in previous years and that EUR 23,3 million have been added to the operational programmes.
The rapporteur would like more precise data as to the reductions/additions for each programme.
The rapporteur would like more precise data as to the reductions/additions for each programme.
In this connection he would stress that other administrative expenditure seems to have increased in some areas.
In this connection he would stress that other administrative expenditure seems to have increased in some areas.
External relations
External relations
This area as a whole receives EUR 3, 7 billion in commitments (+ 3, 76 %).
This area as a whole receives EUR 3, 7 billion in commitments (+ 3, 76 %).
Areas receiving a higher than average increase are the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) (+25, 6%) where the PDB proposes EUR 200 million (160m in 2007).
Areas receiving a higher than average increase are the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) (+25, 6%) where the PDB proposes EUR 200 million (160m in 2007).
Also, the somewhat less well-known (newer) chapter of Crisis response and global threats to security receives a very high increase of + 20% albeit from modest amounts (up to EUR 249, 6 million from EUR 209 million in 2007).
Also, the somewhat less well-known (newer) chapter of Crisis response and global threats to security receives a very high increase of + 20% albeit from modest amounts (up to EUR 249, 6 million from EUR 209 million in 2007).
Such high increases need to be looked at carefully, especially as the margin is somewhat artificial and, as far as the rapporteur is aware, this is not a co-decided area with fixed envelopes.
Such high increases need to be looked at carefully, especially as the margin is somewhat artificial and, as far as the rapporteur is aware, this is not a co-decided area with fixed envelopes.
Democracy and Human Rights sees an increase of + 4, 1 % at EUR 137 million.
Democracy and Human Rights sees an increase of + 4, 1 % at EUR 137 million.
Neighbourhood Policy is blessed with a modest increase of + 2, 3 % overall (at EUR 1, 46 billion) as is relations with Latin America at + 1, 1 % (EUR 342 million).
Neighbourhood Policy is blessed with a modest increase of + 2, 3 % overall (at EUR 1, 46 billion) as is relations with Latin America at + 1, 1 % (EUR 342 million).
Asia is slightly down at EUR 807 million (- 2,05%) which may reflect changed budgetary forecasts for Iraq and/or Afghanistan?
Asia is slightly down at EUR 807 million (- 2,05%) which may reflect changed budgetary forecasts for Iraq and/or Afghanistan?
Overall commitments are proposed at EUR 77 million (+ 8%).
Overall commitments are proposed at EUR 77 million (+ 8%).
The reason for this small amount is that, in monetary terms, trade-related assistance is mainstreamed under the geographical instruments.
The reason for this small amount is that, in monetary terms, trade-related assistance is mainstreamed under the geographical instruments.
The precise amount of trade-related assistance foreseen by the Commission should be set out more clearly in line with commitments given in multilateral fora.
The precise amount of trade-related assistance foreseen by the Commission should be set out more clearly in line with commitments given in multilateral fora.
Development and relations with ACP states
Development and relations with ACP states
This area increases by 4, 6 % to EUR 1, 3 billion in the PDB (1, 24 billion in B2007).
This area increases by 4, 6 % to EUR 1, 3 billion in the PDB (1, 24 billion in B2007).
The main increases relates to Environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energy which has risen from EUR 82 million to 101 million (+22, 3%).
The main increases relates to Environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energy which has risen from EUR 82 million to 101 million (+22, 3%).
There is also an increase of + 9, 3 % in food security which would receive EUR 216 million (compared to EUR 198 million in 2007).
There is also an increase of + 9, 3 % in food security which would receive EUR 216 million (compared to EUR 198 million in 2007).
Non-state actors see a modest increase of + 2, 5 % at EUR 213 million as does Human and Social Development at EUR 120 million (+ 2, 3 %).
Non-state actors see a modest increase of + 2, 5 % at EUR 213 million as does Human and Social Development at EUR 120 million (+ 2, 3 %).
The policy area as a whole decreases slightly from EUR 1, 06 to 1, 03 billion (-2, 6 %).
The policy area as a whole decreases slightly from EUR 1, 06 to 1, 03 billion (-2, 6 %).
However, the main instrument being implemented here, the IPA (Instrument for pre-accession) is being proposed at EUR 1, 38 billion overall with the reminder being implemented in other policy areas.
However, the main instrument being implemented here, the IPA (Instrument for pre-accession) is being proposed at EUR 1, 38 billion overall with the reminder being implemented in other policy areas.
Assistance is available to both candidate and potential candidate countries.
Assistance is available to both candidate and potential candidate countries.
Key elements are the continuation of accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey (candidates), the preparation of FYROM as a potential candidate and, also, further cooperation with the Balkans under the stabilisation and association process.
Key elements are the continuation of accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey (candidates), the preparation of FYROM as a potential candidate and, also, further cooperation with the Balkans under the stabilisation and association process.
The rapporteur notes that, again, it is not easy when first assessing the PDB to discern individual amounts for different countries.
The rapporteur notes that, again, it is not easy when first assessing the PDB to discern individual amounts for different countries.
Some consideration could probably be given to increasing transparency.
Some consideration could probably be given to increasing transparency.
Heading 5 - Administration
Heading 5 - Administration
The PDB presents for 2008 a budget of EUR 7 336 million, which leaves a margin of EUR 121.2 million once staff pension fund contributions have been taken into account (EUR 77 million for 2008).
The PDB presents for 2008 a budget of EUR 7 336 million, which leaves a margin of EUR 121.2 million once staff pension fund contributions have been taken into account (EUR 77 million for 2008).
The margin left at this stage of the procedure is 7.61% higher than last year at the same period and this, despite the substantial increase of the pensions (+10.2%) and of the European schools (+11.1%).
The margin left at this stage of the procedure is 7.61% higher than last year at the same period and this, despite the substantial increase of the pensions (+10.2%) and of the European schools (+11.1%).
The margin is calculated on a technical update of the fifth report of the Secretaries-General on heading 5 (May 2006) and on the hypothesis that the Parliament's budget would reach the 20% of the heading 5 ceiling.
The margin is calculated on a technical update of the fifth report of the Secretaries-General on heading 5 (May 2006) and on the hypothesis that the Parliament's budget would reach the 20% of the heading 5 ceiling.
The Commission's administrative budget for 2008 is estimated at EUR 4 610,7 million with pensions including the cost of European Schools.
The Commission's administrative budget for 2008 is estimated at EUR 4 610,7 million with pensions including the cost of European Schools.
This represents an increase of 5.62% compared to B2007 which significantly exceeds the average increase of this heading in the PDB (+ 3.88 % in 2007) in recent years.
This represents an increase of 5.62% compared to B2007 which significantly exceeds the average increase of this heading in the PDB (+ 3.88 % in 2007) in recent years.
Most of increase in the overall administrative budget is linked to recruitment for new posts required for increased tasks linked to enlargement.
Most of increase in the overall administrative budget is linked to recruitment for new posts required for increased tasks linked to enlargement.
860 new posts, of which 785 represent a net increase relative to the B2007 establishment plan, are requested to that end: 610 for EU-10 and 250 for EU-2.
860 new posts, of which 785 represent a net increase relative to the B2007 establishment plan, are requested to that end: 610 for EU-10 and 250 for EU-2.
The request corresponds to the multiannual plan submitted to the budgetary authority for the period 2003-2008 and confirmed in the screening exercise on "planning and optimising Commission human resources to serve EU priorities", published on 24 April 2007.
The request corresponds to the multiannual plan submitted to the budgetary authority for the period 2003-2008 and confirmed in the screening exercise on "planning and optimising Commission human resources to serve EU priorities", published on 24 April 2007.
The rapporteur notes this report which is a response to Parliament's request made in the 2007 Budget.
The rapporteur notes this report which is a response to Parliament's request made in the 2007 Budget.
However, in the rapporteur's view, it raises a number of questions whose impact should be analysed in a wider context of European governance: proportion of overhead including non official staff; link with the regulatory and executive agencies; de-centralised and de-concentrated management; outsourcing, contracted staff and so on.
However, in the rapporteur's view, it raises a number of questions whose impact should be analysed in a wider context of European governance: proportion of overhead including non official staff; link with the regulatory and executive agencies; de-centralised and de-concentrated management; outsourcing, contracted staff and so on.
Apart from the request of new posts related to the enlargement, the Commission confirms is willingness to cover the other needs exclusively by redeployment which will be made according to the priorities defined by the Parliament the previous year and the Commission in its legislative and work programme.
Apart from the request of new posts related to the enlargement, the Commission confirms is willingness to cover the other needs exclusively by redeployment which will be made according to the priorities defined by the Parliament the previous year and the Commission in its legislative and work programme.
The estimated number of internal redeployment is 287 which is in line with the target of 1% of redeployment fixed by the Commission.
The estimated number of internal redeployment is 287 which is in line with the target of 1% of redeployment fixed by the Commission.
The reinforcement of the security in the buildings of the Commission in Brussels and in the delegations is for the second year requested to grow by 9%.
The reinforcement of the security in the buildings of the Commission in Brussels and in the delegations is for the second year requested to grow by 9%.
This falls under a four years plan which, according to the Commission, should, in future, generate significant savings in insurance and security personnel costs.
This falls under a four years plan which, according to the Commission, should, in future, generate significant savings in insurance and security personnel costs.
The Commission should clarify its plans and quantify the mid term expected savings.
The Commission should clarify its plans and quantify the mid term expected savings.
Heading 6 - Compensation
Heading 6 - Compensation
This heading covers two facilities agreed with Bulgaria and Romania in the accession negotiations: While the Cash Flow facility aims at improving cash-flow in the national budgets, the Schengen Facility is intended as a temporary instrument to finance control actions at the new external borders of the Union.
This heading covers two facilities agreed with Bulgaria and Romania in the accession negotiations: While the Cash Flow facility aims at improving cash-flow in the national budgets, the Schengen Facility is intended as a temporary instrument to finance control actions at the new external borders of the Union.
The amount to be budgeted in 2008 is EUR 206,6 million, leaving a margin under the MFF of EUR 0,4 million.
The amount to be budgeted in 2008 is EUR 206,6 million, leaving a margin under the MFF of EUR 0,4 million.
PDB 2008 includes appropriations for 25 decentralised agencies for a total amount of EUR 524,0 million which is an increase of nearly 19 % as compared to the agencies' subsidies of EUR 441,8 million in 2007.
PDB 2008 includes appropriations for 25 decentralised agencies for a total amount of EUR 524,0 million which is an increase of nearly 19 % as compared to the agencies' subsidies of EUR 441,8 million in 2007.
Nearly two thirds, or 62 %, of the total of the agencies' subsidies are allocated to Titles 1 + 2 - Staff and administrative expenditure while only 38 % are used to cover their operational expenditure (Title 3).
Nearly two thirds, or 62 %, of the total of the agencies' subsidies are allocated to Titles 1 + 2 - Staff and administrative expenditure while only 38 % are used to cover their operational expenditure (Title 3).
The biggest bulk of expenditure on decentralised agencies falls under Heading 1 of the MFF where around 51 % of the total agencies' budget for 2008 is concentrated.
The biggest bulk of expenditure on decentralised agencies falls under Heading 1 of the MFF where around 51 % of the total agencies' budget for 2008 is concentrated.
38 % of the total amount is planned for agencies under Heading 3, whereas Heading 2 with 7 % and Heading 4 with 3 % only receive minor shares.
38 % of the total amount is planned for agencies under Heading 3, whereas Heading 2 with 7 % and Heading 4 with 3 % only receive minor shares.
It has to be noted that the growth rates of the decentralised agencies' budgets and staff are way beyond the general growth rates of the EU budget: While the overall increase of PDB 2008 compared to the 2007 budget is 2 % in commitment appropriations and 3 % in staff numbers, the agencies' subsidies grow by 19 % and their staff by 10 %.
It has to be noted that the growth rates of the decentralised agencies' budgets and staff are way beyond the general growth rates of the EU budget: While the overall increase of PDB 2008 compared to the 2007 budget is 2 % in commitment appropriations and 3 % in staff numbers, the agencies' subsidies grow by 19 % and their staff by 10 %.