Poland to feel the pinch in the 2007-2013 budget cut

Although the debate over the budget has just begun, it is already obvious that the plan prepared by the EU Commission, which opts for keeping the expenses at the level of EUR 929 billion, will not be upheld. The most possible scenario is a budget cut of EUR 57 billion. It is highly probable that Poland will get 5% less (EUR 3 billion) from the structural funds than was earmarked. During the Foreign Affairs Ministers Council in Luxemburg on Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Adam Rotfeld is going to protest against the compromise draft. He may be supported by the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, but it is still uncertain if the Baltic Sea countries would also support Poland's stand, as for them the new solution has very little meaning. EU Affairs Minister Jarosław Pietras will try to convince the Baltic countries to support Poland during an unofficial breakfast meeting on Monday. (Rzeczpospolita, April 23-24, p. B1) A.F.