Germany’s stance on the European Union’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2014–2020. Background and interests

Germany as the largest contributor to the EU budget will have a great impact on the form the financial framework will take after 2013. Germany’s stance is gaining significance owing to this country’s assertiveness in pursuing its policy and the key role it has played in rescuing the eurozone. Germany’s financial contribution to the EU budget is not merely an expression of its solidarity with other EU member states. Germany is prepared to put the money up for the EU budget because they are aware of the trade and political benefits that European integration offers them. The aim of this report is to look at the EU budget from the point of view of Germany as one of the greatest beneficiaries of EU policies. The text presents the significance of particular budget items for Germany, such as the Common Agricultural Policy or the Cohesion Policy. This report also describes in detail the conditions which affect the political and economic context of the German debate on the EU budget.