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Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2023 financial year (debate)
Concerning the topic of the 2023 budget, there are many question marks and concerns, but I would like to make three important points, which should be taken into consideration during the forthcoming interinstitutional negotiations. Given the increasing number of finalised partnership agreements, the level of payments in the field of cohesion must be increased horizontally, in order to cater for the needs of the incoming national programmes. Secondly, looking at the terrible drought that hit Europe, our farmers need more help and support than ever before. We can be certain that the European Union Solidarity Fund will receive a record number of claims so the least we can do is to fully mobilise the annual total amount of the Fund. Finally, our closest neighbours, the Western Balkan countries, have also faced serious difficulties: skyrocketing energy prices and terrible drought. To demonstrate our support, we should increase their IPA funds for 2023.