Romania shares the view of the 10 new members of the EU and it won't stand by the British proposal of EU budget in 2007-2013 unless it is substantially improved, said Romanian PM Calin Popescu Tariceanu yesterday. He explained: "We were waiting for a proposal grounded on the fundamental principle that the European Union has been built on, the principle that has had rich countries help less developed ones and dwindle discrepancies. Unfortunately, the British proposal covers this chapter too little." (...) The PM said that for Romania, Bulgaria and the 10 new members finance from EU budget was highly important and it should be substantial: "Investments in various fields � infrastructure, economic development, social cohesion policy � are an effort worth taking." (...) He emphasized: "We want to say yes to an improved budget project that would not sanction new members or members to become." The Romanian official reminded there were also positive proposals related to the budget project.

Corina SCARLAT